The Newtown Hotel

The Newtown Hotel has been trading on King Street since 1887 and, after a $2 million renovation under publican Sue Cameron, relaunched in January 2026 promising nightlife 'bigger and gayer than ever.' The pub has always been a queer anchor in the Inner West — former owner Dawn O'Donnell ran it for decades — and the refresh keeps drag and piano nights alongside live music and DJs. Food spreads across five curated dining areas and leans into pub classics: burgers, pizzas, schnitzel and rump steak, pulled alongside 23 beers on tap and more than 100 craft beer and cider tinnies.

Dogs are welcome everywhere, which is unusually generous — the front bar, back courtyard and upstairs balcony are all on — and the regulars tend to give any incoming pup a full welcoming committee.