The best pubs in the New England – part two

Searching for the best pub meal, date night location, or place to celebrate your special occasion? Then you’ll love this guide to the best pubs in the New England region (part two). If you missed part one, you can find it here. Part two takes you on a tour of some of the New England’s favourite pubs. From art deco-style hotels to a pub that’s decorated with a warplane, to another that was won in a card game, the venues in this guide are long-standing community institutions with stories to tell (almost as good as the stories that are told in them on the daily).

 

1. Tattersalls Hotel, Armidale

First on our list of the best pubs in the New England region (part two), is Tattersalls Hotel in Armidale. Operating since 1854, Tattersalls is one of the town’s oldest pubs – and thanks to major renovations that began in 2016, it’s one of the most stunning too. Exuding luxury and sophistication, this award-winning, art deco-style hotel boasts beautifully designed rooms, a world-class restaurant and bar and breathtaking functions and events spaces. Heading out for dinner? If fine dining is on your mind, then you’ll love both the menu and the atmosphere at Tattersalls Hotel. Serving starters such as fresh oysters, smoked beef carpaccio and Japanese scallops, it’s easy to imagine how mouthwatering the mains and dessert options are. And with a drinks menu boasting world whisky, craft cocktails and international and national wines, it’s no wonder so many choose to dine at Tattersalls Hotel. Easy breezy more your style? Relax in the beer garden and snack on woodfired pizza, cooling off with a drink from the outdoor bar.

174 Beardy Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6773 9600 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Continental breakfast, Monday to Friday 7.00a–9.30am | Continental breakfast, Saturday to Sunday 8.00am–10.00am | Lunch, Tuesday to Saturday 12.00pm–2.30pm | Dinner, Tuesday to Saturday 5.30pm–8.30pm | Dinner, Sunday 5.30pm–8.00pm

2. The Railway Hotel, Armidale

Second up for the best pubs in the New England region is The Railway Hotel in Armidale. Established in 1879, this hotel has been serving up comfort and rustic charm for over 140 years. Placing an emphasis on providing an inviting atmosphere for the whole community to enjoy, this family-friendly pub features indoor and outdoor dining areas, a warm fireplace, a kids’ playground, plenty of seating and the well-known 1879 Bistro. Whether it’s a quick bite to eat or a relaxed dinner with family and friends, Bistro 1879 offers guests a delicious menu with all the staple pub classics and even some new ones to try. From fish and chips and chicken schnitzel to Yakitoriya chicken tacos and beef and stout pot pie, The Railway Hotel promises a great night out with your loved ones.

222 Rusden Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6772 3109 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Tuesday 10.00am–10.00pm | Wednesday to Saturday 10.00am–12.00am | Sunday 11.00am–10.00pm

3. Amaroo Tavern, Moree 

Welcome to the Amaroo Tavern, one of the best pubs in Moree and third on our list of the top pubs in the New England region. What makes this tavern stand out from the rest, you ask? Well, let’s begin with C47 Dakota, also known as The Big Plane. Arriving in Australia in 1945, C47 Dakota served in the Royal Australian Airforce, serving squadrons in the School of Air Navigation until 1975 when it was converted to a Civilian DC3 and then handed to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Defence Force in the name of foreign aid. Fast forward to 1993, the plane was purchased from the PNG Defence Force by Marty Tender and flown to Moree. After being towed through three fences and two car parks, C47 Dakota arrived at its final resting place, taking on its new role as a tourist attraction at the Amaroo Tavern. See the plane for yourself when you stop by this family-friendly, dog-friendly pub in Moree, set against the backdrop of green fields just off the Newell Highway. A great place to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends, the Amaroo Tavern serves up award-winning pub classics, taking out the prize for the best place to find top-tier steaks while in town.

Amaroo Drive | Moree NSW 2400 | (02) 6752 4911 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Saturday 10.00am–12.00am | Sunday 10.00am–10.00pm

 

4. The Peel Inn Hotel, Nundle

Famously known for being won in a card game, The Peel Inn, located in the village of Nundle, is another of the New England’s best pubs. Built in 1860 by William Mcllveen (during the Gold Rush era), William dreamed of making his new business a success, but lost the pub to John Schofield during a game of cards instead. Now a fourth-generation hotel, The Peel Inn is run by Robert Schofield and his wife Margaret and has been for the past 53 years. Featuring a breathtaking pet-friendly beer garden shaded by a 40-year-old grapevine, a delicious menu, spacious indoor and outdoor dining areas and cosy, modern accommodation, The Peel Inn is a wonderful place to have lunch, dinner, or spend the night.

89 Jenkins Street | Nundle NSW 2340 | (02) 6769 3377 | Website | Instagram 

5. The Imperial Hotel, Inverell

Established in 1889, The Imperial Hotel in Inverell is another on the list of our favourite pubs in the New England region. This country-style pub boasts a bistro (that’s currently undergoing renovations), beer garden, public bar, gaming room, TAB area and affordable accommodation with 24 rooms to choose from. A favourite among locals and visitors, this hotel is located in the heart of the town, close to shopping centres, banks, restaurants and cafes. A safe and fun place to be any day of the week, this pub is a must-visit while exploring Inverell.

39 Byron Street | Inverell NSW 2360 | (02) 6722 1511 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Thursday 10.00am–2.00am | Friday to Saturday 10.00am–3.00am | Sunday 10.00am–10.00pm

6. The Australian Hotel, Inverell

Step into the Aussie, where Saturday nights in Inverell come alive. If it’s a party you’re looking for, then you’ll love The Australian Hotel, lovingly known as The Aussie. Kicking off from 9pm till late on a Saturday night, you can dance the night away to the hottest tracks. Open from Wednesday through to Saturday, The Aussie is a great place to grab a refreshing drink and enjoy the company of your friends.

81-87 Byron Street | Inverell NSW 2360 | (02) 6722 1611 | Facebook | Instagram | Wednesday to Thursday 11.30am–10.00pm | Friday 11.30am–11.00pm | Saturday 11.30am–12.00am | Sunday 11.30am–10.00pm

7. The Courthouse Hotel, Tamworth

If it’s a relaxed atmosphere you’re looking for, then The Courthouse in Tamworth might be just the place. Boasting a sunny, dog-friendly beer garden, a flavour-packed menu and a great atmosphere, it’s no wonder this pub is a crowd favourite. Sourcing much of its produce locally, The Courthouse Tamworth prides itself on creating delicious dishes while supporting local producers. Try the Courthouse favourites, such as the nachos or eggplant parmigiana, or pick something from The Butcher’s Block which features meat sourced from Australia’s premium grazing districts. Whatever you choose, we know you’ll love spending an afternoon at The Courthouse.

240 Peel Street | Tamworth NSW 2340 | (02) 6766 1517 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Thursday 10.00am–12.00pm | Friday to Saturday 10.00am–2.00am | Sunday 11.00am–10.00pm

8. The Tudor Hotel, Tamworth

A popular destination among both locals and visitors alike, The Tudor Hotel is another of the best pubs in the New England. Located in the heart of Tamworth, this pub features the town’s only rooftop bar, alongside great accommodation, a scrumptious menu and friendly service to boot. Ready to catch up with your mates? Organise a gathering at the Tudor and benefit from weekly food and drink specials, live entertainment and plenty of screens playing your favourite sport across the venue.

327 Peel Street | Tamworth NSW 2340 | (02) 6766 2930 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Tuesday 9.00am–11.00pm | Wednesday to Thursday 9.00am–12.00am | Friday to Saturday 9.00am–2.00am | Sunday 10.00am–10.00pm

9. The Great Central Hotel, Glen Innes

Rocking the reputation as one of the oldest commercial buildings in Glen Innes, The Great Central Hotel is another of our favourite pubs in the New England region. Built in 1874, this pub has 150 years of history under its belt, making it a great place to stop and soak up the gone-by days of Glen Innes. Boasting country-style accommodation, a fine dining restaurant, a bistro, bar, and cafe, this award-winning hotel is the perfect location for those relaxed evenings when cooking’s off the table, when you’re searching for a special place to enjoy date night, or when you’re ready to celebrate.

313 Grey Street | Glen Innes NSW 2370 | (02) 6732 1966 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Thursday 11.30am–10.00pm | Friday to Saturday 11.30am–11.30pm | Sunday 12.00pm–2.30pm, 5.30pm–10.00pm

10. Tenterfield Tavern, Tenterfield

A family-owned and managed pub, the Tenterfield Tavern prides itself on being a family-friendly, comfortable and welcoming place for all. Located on Rouse Street, you can soak up the sun on the newly renovated outdoor deck while the kids entertain themselves in the KidsZone. Enjoy a delicious meal from the restaurant, alongside weekly community events, such as sponsored raffles, members draws and regular live entertainment. Looking for a place to stay the night? Rest in the Tavern’s on-site 4-star accommodation, where each room boasts a comfy bed, kitchenette, study area and TV and lounge.

378 Rouse Street | Tenterfield NSW 2372 | (02) 6736 2888 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Sunday 10.00am–10.00pm