20-05-2025
An old Sydney pub has been given a huge makeover - but you'd never spot it from the outside
A popular pub has been given a mega makeover after owners splashed $1.6million on a new look and dining experience.
The Crows Nest Hotel, affectionately dubbed 'The Crowie' by Lower North Shore locals, has been a go-to for years thanks to its friendly atmosphere, sports nooks and wild late night dance parties.
But it looks a little different when you walk through the doors today, with a whole new Mediterranean vibe, slick decor and very modern bar space.
Despite its fresh new feel, staff insist it will continue the venue's legacy of live music and late-night entertainment, with a brand new roster of live DJs and bands across the weekends.
In addition, the hotel will also offer a new lunch and dinner experience, serving elevated pub fare with a Mediterranean twist and a dedicated dining room on the the ground floor.
The new menu boasts levelled-up pub classics as well as souvlaki plates, slow-cooked lamb shoulder with lemon potatoes and fresh Greek salad. Ingredients across are sourced from local NSW suppliers including seafood from Poulos Bros and meat and steaks from Andrews Meats Industries.
Head Chef Nathaniel (Nico) Madrangca (ex-Kirribilli Hotel, Rey's Place, Bill & Toni's) and Sous Chefs Claudette Cabaron and Pablo Martinez will lead the kitchen and their menu will be available in the dining room, main bar and rooftop.
The hotel's reputation for a great steak continues too with options for a 250g Black Angus Rump or 400g Riverina Op Rib served with lemon roasted potatoes and a choice of sauce.
The former One Willoughby events space has been converted into a public bar to host casual drinks and a curated dining menu and new screens have been hung so guests can catch all live sporting matches.
The Lounge Bar now goes by the Main Bar; this is where guests can go for their live entertainment hit as live music, trivia and drag bingo will be back better than ever.
The rooftop has also been given an upgrade with a DJ booth and dining space.
'The Crows Nest Hotel has always been the place to go on the North Shore for a night out with mates with great music and vibes – everyone has a memory here,' Bronte Williams, the Venue Manager, said.
'We are still continuing that legacy of nightlife where you can dance until 6am, but also making it a spot for a great pub feed any day of the week with a fresh menu and dining room.'
The upgrades were by leading pub and hospitality designers Cayas + Ward - the architects behind The Newmarket Hotel and The Forest Hotel - while Paul Kelly designed the gaming room.
The hotel is open daily until late and is located at 1 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest.
