The best pubs in the New England – part one

From the historic charm of The Top Pub in Uralla to the Celtic-inspired Red Lion Tavern, the New England region is bursting with pubs just waiting to be discovered. Here you’ll find some of the best pubs in the New England region where you can enjoy heartwarming meals, lively atmospheres and A+ places to celebrate your special occasions.

 

1. The Tourist Hotel, Narrabri

If you’re a fan of art deco glam, then you’ll love the Tourist Hotel in Narrabri. Known for its delicious food, extensive selection of wines and cocktails, community events and stunning 1930s-style accommodation, this pub in Narrabri offers the whole kit and caboodle. Serving everything from small plates to mains, burgers, pizzas, salads, kids’ meals and desserts, the Tourist Hotel in Narrabri is a fantastic place to enjoy a meal, host an event or spend the weekend. Our recommendation? The pan-seared barramundi with three-bean cassoulet, rhubarb jam and lemon, followed by the sticky-date pudding. YUM! Ready for a weekend of adventure? The region of Narrabri is jam-packed with places to visit and things to do and see, so why not book a room here for a few nights? By making the Tourist Hotel your base, you’ll be set with a central location, a comfortable place to stay and delicious meals and cool beverages on hand when you need to refuel.

142 Maitland Street | Narrabri NSW 2390 | (02) 6792 2312 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Thursday 10.00am–11.00pm | Friday to Saturday 10.00am–12.00am

2. The Red Lion Tavern, Glencoe

Located on the New England Highway between Glen Innes and Armidale, The Red Lion Tavern is an ode to its Celtic heritage. Recently re-opened by husband and wife team Peter and (wife’s name), after 20 years of being closed, this pub in Glencoe holds a special place in the hearts of many. With its dark red doors and rolling green hills that can be seen from the back deck, it’s no wonder people regularly make the trip from both Sydney and Brisbane to dine here. Although, that could also have something to do with the delicious Celtic-inspired pub fare or the 50-something types of whiskey that Peter keeps behind the bar. If you’re a lover of road trips, whiskey, creamy seafood chowder and Celtic charm, then you’ll love everything about The Red Lion Tavern.

8025 New England Highway | Glencoe NSW 2365 | 0409 776 906 | Facebook | Instagram

3. Walcha Road Hotel, Walcha Road

Located just 19 kilometres out of Walcha, the Walcha Road Hotel is another must-visit destination when searching for a delicious pub meal in the New England region. Established in 1882, this hotel offers its guests a quintessential Australian experience, complete with self-contained accommodation and gourmet meals. Open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, you can enjoy fine food, delicious wine and a beautiful atmosphere. Hint, hint: Walcha Road Hotel offers the perfect date night or overnight getaway. Think winding roads lined with tall trees, a delectable dining experience on arrival, and accommodation on site so you don’t need to worry about driving home after a few glasses of wine.

1539 Wollun Road | Walcha Road NSW 2354 | (02) 6777 5829 | Website | Facebook | Wednesday to Thursday 4.00pm–10.00pm | Friday 10.00am–10.00pm | Saturday 11.00am–10.00pm | Sunday 11.00am–8.00pm

4. The Top Pub, Uralla

A go-to destination for those seeking a delicious pub meal in the New England region, the Top Pub in Uralla packs a punch when it comes to hearty pub fare. Featuring a delicious restaurant menu with crowd favourites like bangers and mash and chicken schnitzel, you’ll also find the house favourites menu which lists dishes with a more exotic feel: enter the African spiced lamb backstrap and macadamia, honey and apple-crusted pork. YUM! Have a special event to celebrate? The Top Pub has recently opened its upstairs bar and function space, Willmont Restaurant. Open for private functions seven days a week, this restaurant offers guests a nine-course degustation menu with the option of matched wine or high tea with champagne. Bookings are essential so if this sounds like your cup of tea, make sure you get in touch as soon as possible.

23-27 Bridge Street | Uralla NSW 2358 | (02) 6778 4110 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Sunday 10.00am–12.00am

5. The Whitebull Hotel, Armidale

Open seven days a week, the Whitebull Hotel leads the way when it comes to delicious pub meals in Armidale. Featuring several beautifully-designed spaces to dine in complete with fireplaces throughout, this pub is a popular choice for those wanting to catch up with friends over a meal and a drink. And the menu? Well, with delicious dishes like truffle fries and nachos to share and steaks ranging from your 250gm rump steak to your 650gm ribeye, there’s plenty to choose from. Feeling fancy? Why not head upstairs to Manny’s on Marsh – an authentic Italian restaurant serving lunch, dinner and an impressive range of cocktails to boot? And with a private events and functions space, this restaurant’s New York-themed decor creates an ambience you and your guests will be stoked to dine in.

117 Marsh Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6772 3833 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Saturday 10.00am–12.00am | Sunday 10.00am–12.00pm

6. The Grand Hotel, Armidale

If it’s a family-friendly pub you’re searching for, you can’t go past the Grand Hotel in Armidale. A vintage-style venue complete with a kids’ play area and sandpit alongside a beautiful undercover deck, the Grand Hotel prides itself on its casual atmosphere. Serving your usual pub-style fare featuring mains, burgers, salads, desserts and a kids’ menu, this pub in Armidale offers its guests the perfect place to unwind and relax while enjoying a meal out with the family.

251 Rusden Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6772 3149 | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Wednesday 10.00am–10.00pm | Thursday: 10.00am–11.00pm | Friday 10.30am–12.00am | Saturday 10.00am–12.00am | Sunday 10.00am–9.00pm

7. Glen Innes Railway Tavern, Glen Innes

First opened by Thomas Wynn in 1885, The Glen Innes Railway Tavern sits right across the road from the railway station. For 100 years, the tavern acted as the entry point for thousands of travellers every year, and much like now, was a place people could meet for a meal and a cool drink. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, the Glen Innes Tavern’s menu includes delicious starters like the popcorn chicken or the pork belly bites. Moving on to mains, you’ll find a well-rounded selection of pub classics like the chicken parmigiana and scotch fillet, alongside seafood, burgers, pastas, risottos and desserts. Have the kids in tow? With kids’ meals coming in at $12 each, served with chips and ice cream, this pub in Glen Innes is a family-friendly and affordable place to dine with the whole gang.

Corner of Bourke and Lambeth Streets | Glen Innes NSW 2370 | (02) 6732 1504 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Saturday 10.00am–12.00am | Sunday 10.00am–10.00pm

8. Apsley Arms, Walcha

Next on our list is the Apsley Arms Hotel in Walcha. Serving up scrumptious meals and a place to rest your head for the night (or the week) this pub in Walcha is a fantastic place to take the family for a meal or stay while exploring the sites of Walcha and surrounds. Try the garlic rosé prawn pasta or the lamb shanks from the menu – they won’t disappoint! While you’re in town, why not check out our guide to the best art galleries in the region, two of which you’ll find in Walcha. Up for an adventure? Read up on the best Insta-worthy photo locations across New England.

33N Derby Street | Walcha NSW 2354 | 0449 118 026 | Facebook | Instagram 

9. The Longyard Hotel, Tamworth

A Tamworth institution, the Longyard Hotel is a must-visit pub while in town. Boasting an impressive line-up of live music, ice-cold beer, a kids’ playground and a top-notch menu, this hotel in the Country Music Capital is the place to be any time of the week. With a well-thought-out menu featuring dishes from the grill, as well as pizzas, burgers, main meals and a kids’ menu, you can’t go wrong with a meal from The Longyard Hotel. Perfect for those seeking a hearty meal out or a chance to dance the night away (or both), this venue in Tamworth is calling your name!

10/12 The Ringers Road | Tamworth NSW 2340 | (02) 6765 3411 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Saturday 10.00am–12.00am | Sunday 10.00am–10.00pm

10. The Tamworth, Tamworth

Welcome to the Tamworth Hotel, another of Tamworth’s institutions and one to add to your list when searching for a tasty pub meal. Built in 1936, The Tamworth’s Art Decor style reels you in while the food and drink menus keep you coming back for more. With a range of share plates and classic pub-style meals available, along with the 14 beers on tap, the vintage and rare wines list and a cocktails menu to boot, this hotel sure knows how to please a crowd. Our recommendation? Cauliflower bites to share, followed by the Jack’s Creek Rump steak and a side of garden salad. Delish!

147 Marius Street | Tamworth NSW 2340 | (02) 6766 2923 | Website | Instagram | Monday to Wednesday 11.00am–12.00pm | Thursday to Saturday 11.00am–2.00am | Sunday 11.00am–10.00pm

11. Commercial Boutique Hotel, Tenterfield

The first thing we said when entering the Commercial Boutique Hotel in Tenterfield was “WOW”. A luxury eight-room hotel that’s been restored to impeccable detail, this venue isn’t your average pub. Perfect for weekend getaways, corporate retreats or weddings, the Commercial Boutique Hotel oozes 1940s Art Deco. Offering a delicious lunch and dinner menu alongside its cafe and bar which serves coffee, craft beers and local wines, you’re welcome to duck in for a quick bite to eat or stay a while and admire the architecture. Open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday and lunch from Wednesday to Sunday, this hotel is a welcome addition to any adventure in Tenterfield.

288 Rouse Street | Tenterfield NSW 2372 | (02) 6736 4870 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Thursday 11.00am–10.00pm | Friday to Saturday 11.00am–10.30pm | Sunday 11.00am–10.00pm

12. Royal Hotel, Guyra

Looking for a country-style pub with character? Then you’ll love the Royal Hotel in Guyra. Serving lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday, this venue offers an affordable menu bursting with classic pub fare and weekly specials. Having recently renovated their accommodation, the Royal Hotel also offers single and double rooms with a shared bathroom and kitchen, perfect for those travelling for work or leisure.

122 Bradley Street | Guyra NSW 2365 | (02) 6779 1005 | Website | Monday to Sunday 10.30am–10.00pm