First Look Inside Sydney's 200-Year-Old Pub, Fortune of War, Which Has Reopened as Multi-Spaced Venue with a Hotel and Bistro
Published: 5 June 2025
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Fortune of War reopens with new 60-seat bistro, Bistro 1828.
Now serving breakfast daily from 7 am in the historic The Rocks location.
Heritage renovation preserves 1828 charm with a modern dining experience.
Menu features Aussie breakfast classics and pub favourites, plus new dishes.
Russell Boutique Hotel reopens upstairs after full heritage-inspired renovation.
Sydney's oldest pub has turned a new page in 2025 with a bold expansion that blends history and hospitality in a signature style. Located in The Rocks, the Fortune of War has unveiled Bistro 1828, a 60-seat bistro named in honour of former convict Samuel Terry, and alongside it, a fully renovated boutique hotel upstairs called The Russell. Don't fret, because the original pub is still there, and you can think of this as an expansion.
Family-owned WDS Hotels group is behind the transformation, and co-owner Steve Speed says it is something they have been wanting to do since they took over the Fortune of War. 'We're still a country pub in the heart of the city, with warm and welcoming hospitality, classic pub dishes and beers poured with passion, for quality,' he says. 'We had outgrown the previous space, so by opening Bistro 1828, more people are able to enjoy the historic charm, character and sense of community that accompanies every visit to Sydney's oldest pub.'
The Russell Boutique Hotel is located upstairs and had originally closed during the pandemic. Now, it's emerged from a complete refurbishment with 28 uniquely styled rooms, many with glimpses of Sydney Harbour. Let's take a closer look!
Bistro 1828 | Image: Supplied / Kitti Gould
Fortune of War Bistro 1828
Hours: Mon-Sun 7am until late
We'll start with Bistro 1828, which is located next to the original pub. Here, the team has transformed the space by taking over two retail stores and expanded to the corner of George and Globe Street. There's a new bar area with mixed seating and an upholstered Italian leather banquette, which is perfect for enjoying a beer as the sun streams in through the stained-glass windows.
Next to the original pub is the new main dining room, with people-watching through the floor-to-ceiling windows and a more intimate setting. Between the two areas is an open-plan kitchen, which has significantly increased the venue's capacity and ensured it can open for breakfast for the first time.
'When we first came down to The Rocks, we thought how great it would be to one day serve up bacon and eggs at Sydney's oldest pub,' said co-owner Steve Speed. 'Going out for breakfast is such an Australian tradition, so we're thrilled to now offer it at this iconic location, whether you're enjoying it as part of your hotel stay or passing by.'
Bistro 1828 | Image: Supplied / Kitti Gould
Bistro 1828 | Image: Supplied / Kitti Gould
Bistro 1828 | Image: Supplied / Kitti Gould
Bistro 1828 | Image: Supplied / Kitti Gould
The menu is designed by new executive chef Mark Williamson (The Woollahra Hotel) and features all of our favourite Australian breakfast staples, including avo on toast, eggs benny and breakky burgers, alonside signature items like the Fortune of War big breakfast, Sydney's oldest pub classic pancakes and a Bloody Mary with a secret recipe. You can also sit down for all-day dining in the original pub, the new Bistro 1828 and the alfresco area outside.
'We are a historic venue with a large and loyal customer base, so it was important that we didn't change it up too much,' Speed continued.
'All the pub classics people know and love, like our beef and Guinness stew, fish'n'chips, nachos and burgers, are still here, but we've also added some new dishes too, like fresh salads, pastas and shared starters, with a Sunday roast coming soon.'
The Russell | Image: Supplied / Daniel Li
The Russell | Image: Supplied / Daniel Li
The Russell | Image: Supplied / Daniel Li
The Russell | Image: Supplied / Daniel Li
The Russell | Image: Supplied / Daniel Li
The Russell | Image: Supplied / Daniel Li
The Russell Boutique Hotel
Address : 143A George Street Cnr Globe St &, Nurses Walk, The Rocks NSW 2000
: 143A George Street Cnr Globe St &, Nurses Walk, The Rocks NSW 2000 Phone: (02) 9241 3543
The revamp of the dining options also coincides with the relaunch of The Russell Boutique Hotel, which is now open after a complete renovation.
Each of the 28 rooms in the boutique hotel in Sydney has a unique design that perfectly balances the old-world charm of the 19th-century building with modern-day luxuries.
Rooms are priced from AUD$300 per night and include breakfast at Bistro 1828, with special deals available when booking directly at the website linked below.
Steve 'Speedy' Speed has led the restoration alongside wife Fiona | Image: Supplied / The Fortune of War
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