The Old Fitzroy

The Old Fitzroy in Woolloomooloo is an iconic Sydney pub that’s stood on the corner of Dowling and Cathedral streets for more than 150 years. It’s had numerous custodians in its long life, and today the Fitz is under the care of Odd Culture group (Odd Culture, Pleasure Club, The Duke Of Enmore), who took on the lease in 2020.

The group has maintained the pub’s historic features, with a few updates to help the old bits shine. Some of the furniture has been updated and the kitchen has been zhooshed up, but the most notable update is a 100-seat outdoor-dining area. Aside from that, the pub looks and feels essentially the same as it always has.

Group executive chef James MacDonald brings his experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants to the upstairs bistro. Comforting dishes match the pub’s old-world charm, from duck croquettes with hot sauce to classic steak frites and lamb neck provencal pie. On Sundays there’s a roast with all the trimmings, and a live jazz soundtrack.

Back downstairs in the convivial front bar, a tighter menu pulls in hits from the bistro – as well exclusives including a Wagyu cheeseburger. On tap is a solid showing of local beer, backed up Australiana cocktails (hello, Fanta Negroni) and a selection of natural-leaning wines.

The pub’s theatre downstairs, which has long been a space for emerging queer and experimental artists to hone their craft, is independently operated by Red Line Productions.