Union Hotel — Restaurant in Sydney

I WON'T BE COMING BACK HERE AGAIN.

I brought some friends here for our yearly catch-up after visiting the venue with my wife and children for my birthday a few weeks ago.

I went to the bar for my round; we'd only had a few beers and were about to order dinner when we were told we had to leave. I was shocked and asked why. The girl behind the bar who claimed to be the Manager said that 'we have reason to believe that someone is intoxicated'. The previous round was purchased by a friend who had some mild impairments, and one of those being he is unable to count money. For the record we are a group of fathers in our late 30's, topics of discussion for the evening were interest rates, footy, the Sydney housing market and our children. Over the course of the very short evening - I doubt we reached 10 decibels (flies on the wall would have been put to sleep).

Anyway, fortunately, my friend was at the bathroom when I was speaking to the Manager. She wouldn't give any explanation, apart someone being intoxicated as to why we had to leave. We could only come to the conclusion that it was our friend's mild impairment and slightly unorthodox mannerisms as the reason. Funnily enough, when we left, I went to their takeaway section and purchased a 4 pack of Cluster 8 (2.6 standard drinks * 4) from the same bar staff - go figure. They do have a great selection of craft beers - but I won't be back here again, ever.

I shared my experience with another craft enthusiast who is a local. He was also asked to leave after 3 beers recently. This is even more ridiculous. One of his friends was purchasing a round of beers at the bar and asked him what he wanted. He was engrossed in a game of football and didn't respond. They claimed he was incoherent and the group all have to leave.

Obviously the venue has clearly had some issues in the past. I've never written a review before and I don't plan on doing it again, but the kneejerk and unjustified reaction by the staff here was astonishing. My friend with the mild impairment fortunately didn't draw the same dots that we did - maybe the staff here can learn a thing or two about people with disabilities. I'd be more than happy to speak with the management about some of the demons he's had to battle in life to make them more aware of running a more inclusive venue. In the meantime, our 2022 catch-up will more than likely be at The Welcome Hotel or one of the breweries in...

MISSY THE CAT RETURNS!

Here's a stealth find, well worth a visit for a shandy on a quiet King-Street-shopping afternoon.

Although it doesn't look like much from the street, The Union Hotel has a lot to offer once you're inside. Up front we have the old bar and a set-up for bands. A bit of the beer-soaked vibe that places like the old Annandale Hotel or the Dee Why Hotel once had (although much tidied up). Looks great for that sort of thing. Out the back, there's a nice restaurant and beer garden, fit for families and a bit more of an upmarket crowd during the calmer hours of day.

In between, unfortunately, the two parts collide: the loos have been nicely outfitted (back bar style) but the junior vandal set (front bar style) seem resolved to wreck them.

Ah, well, that's the Newtown we all have to live with, at least until the government brings back public floggings.

Don't let that stop you. Just work out which part of the day suits your style, and get in there.

Missy The Cat Star Ratings:

5 - a place of rare genius that merits repeated return visits

4 - a strong effort with no major shortcomings

3 - a solid, worthy effort with perhaps one important thing to fix

2 - several important things wrong, but at least one important thing right

1 - can't be given a zero, doesn't deserve a dollar (as of...

Great old school pub down near the end of king street in Newtown. Came in on a Tuesday so not very busy. Had a few appetizers such as Korean spiced chicken wings. Very nice. Crunchy, good flavour and just a little hit of spice so if you are not a hot food fan, these are fine for you. Mac and cheese bites with a marinara sauce and some wedges. Fair price and I would of went with the 17 buck special on Tuesdays(schnitzel) but I had one the night before before. There is other good stuff on the menu and I will try next time I go. It's bigger than what it looks from the outside. It goes a good back and then opens up a bit on the left. There is a small beer garden down on the right hand side. Being the beer snob that I am, I was very impressed but what they had on tap. Looks like they have rotating taps from different brews on a regular basis. Much like hotel Sweeny in the city but this is better as you don't have to smell cigarette smoke while you are enjoying your beer. Would be nice if they served in pints and had tables out front or at least seats at a window so you can do some people watching. My first time here and will definately come back, especially to...