The Fortune of War
Sydney's oldest pub (est. 1828) in The Rocks, offering historic charm, live music, and delicious pub fare.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, great live music
The Fortune of War
Best Time
Less crowded, great live music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sydney's oldest pub (est. 1828) in The Rocks, offering historic charm, live music, and delicious pub fare.
"A top pub to have a drink and a chat. Wonderful atmosphere and decor at Sydney’s oldest pub."
🎯 Guinness Taste-Off
Compare a pint of Guinness here with Hero of Waterloo for the ultimate taste test!
🍽️ Book Indoor Seating
Indoor booth seating is popular; reserve in advance to avoid long waits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Ambiance
The Rocks
Soak in the atmosphere of Sydney's oldest pub, a cozy, wood-accented space with a rich history.
Live Music Nights
Bar Area
Enjoy live bands and solo acts that bring a vibrant energy to the pub in the evenings.
Classic Pub Fare
Bistro
Savor delicious and fresh bistro and bar food, including hearty sandwiches and popular dishes like chicken parma.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guinness Taste-Off
Compare a pint of Guinness here with Hero of Waterloo for the ultimate taste test!
🍽️ Book Indoor Seating
Indoor booth seating is popular; reserve in advance to avoid long waits.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Catch live bands and solo acts for a vibrant evening atmosphere.
🍟 Delicious Potato Scallops
Don't miss the tasty potato scallops, a crowd favorite!
Oldest Pub in Sydney
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guinness Taste-Off
Compare a pint of Guinness here with Hero of Waterloo for the ultimate taste test!
🍽️ Book Indoor Seating
Indoor booth seating is popular; reserve in advance to avoid long waits.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Catch live bands and solo acts for a vibrant evening atmosphere.
🍟 Delicious Potato Scallops
Don't miss the tasty potato scallops, a crowd favorite!
📱 Touchless Ordering
Utilize the touchless digital ordering system for convenience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Fortune of War is celebrated as Sydney's oldest pub, praised for its historic charm, cozy ambiance, and vibrant live music scene. Visitors enjoy the fresh, fairly priced pub fare and the friendly service, making it a beloved local favorite. Some note that service can be slow during peak times and indoor seating requires booking.
"It's a pub casual to modern western restaurant with variety of Aussie, western, seafood, etc foods.
Ambience with Live music in the evenings makes this place so cozy and vibrant. Foods are fresh and delicious. Sandwiches are in good portion and balanced.
It's touchless digital order and service could be a bit slow in busy time.
Most seatings are FCFS. Indoor booth seating needs reservation otherwise long wait time."
Max Kay
"We have been frequenting this fabulous pub for over 20 years . I'm very impressed with the care and detail that was taken in the latest renovation. A few teething problems with the kitchen when they re-opened , but they seem to have rectified that now. We had a lovely afternoon there on Saturday, food was great and the staff are always friendly & helpful. Definitely worth checking out. One of our favourite pubs. 🥂"
Sarah Hawkes
"A top pub to have a drink and a chat. Wonderful atmosphere and decor at Sydney’s oldest pub.
Sitting outside in the shade with a cold ale was a treat in the warm Sydney weather.
The bar staff and table staff were friendly and efficient.
A very popular pub."
Kevin Marzahn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Fortune of War is located in The Rocks, a historic area easily accessible by public transport. You can take a train to Circular Quay station and enjoy a short walk, or various bus routes also stop nearby.
Parking in The Rocks can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or rideshare services to reach the pub.
Many visitors enjoy walking around The Rocks to see the historic laneways and architecture before heading to the pub for a drink or meal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Fortune of War is a pub and entry is generally free. You only pay for food and drinks.
The pub typically opens daily, but hours can vary. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening times, especially for live music events.
Yes, advance reservations are possible and recommended, especially for indoor booth seating, as it can get crowded.
While some live music events might have a cover charge, many performances are included with your visit. It's advisable to check their schedule or inquire at the venue.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a cozy, historic pub atmosphere with wood accents. Evenings are vibrant with live music, making it a lively spot.
Yes, The Fortune of War offers outdoor seating, which is a great option to enjoy a drink in the Sydney weather.
Service can be a bit slow during busy times, but staff are generally friendly and efficient. They use a touchless digital ordering system.
Most seating is first-come, first-served (FCFS). Indoor booth seating often requires a reservation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
They offer a variety of Australian and Western dishes, including seafood, sandwiches, and classic pub fare.
The chicken parmigiana has been reviewed, and potato scallops are noted as delicious. Sandwiches are also served in good portions.
Food and drinks are considered fairly priced for the Sydney area, offering good value.
Reviews indicate that the food is fresh and delicious, with recent renovations seemingly improving the kitchen's performance.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic interior with its wood accents and cozy seating. The exterior in The Rocks also offers a charming backdrop.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos inside the pub to capture its historic ambiance and your dining experience.
The Rocks itself is very photogenic with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, perfect for pre- or post-pub photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of History: The Fortune of War's Legacy
Over the years, The Fortune of War has undergone renovations, with recent updates praised for their care and detail.
Culinary Delights and Drinks
Beyond the food, the pub is also known for its drinks. A particular mention goes to the Guinness, with some travelers suggesting a taste-off against other historic pubs in the area for the best pint.
The Rhythms of The Rocks: Live Entertainment
The outdoor area often features live singing, providing a pleasant backdrop for enjoying a meal or a drink.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit