Fortune of War - Sydney's Oldest Pub image

Fortune of War - Sydney's Oldest Pub

Bar Pub Bistro Live music venue Function room facility

Cosy, wood-accented pub built in 1828, offering bistro and bar food, plus live bands and solo acts. People often mention good, great, oldest, staff, Sydney, Great, music, beer, drinks, friendly,


Address

137 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia

Website

www.fortuneofwar.com.au

Contact

+61 2 9247 2714

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (2.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 12 AM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 12 AM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 12 AM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 12 AM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 12 AM
  • Sunday: 9 AM to 12 AM
  • Monday: 9 AM to 12 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (28) great (27) oldest (19) staff (19) Sydney (18) Great (16) music (15) beer (13) drinks (12) friendly (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 T M. 8 months ago on Google
    Sydney's oldest pub. I stopped by on my way back from sightseeing around the Opera House. It was very crowded, probably because it was a holiday, but the staff were kind and helpful. The rump steak was recommended, so I ordered it, and as it was recommended, the meat was tender and the dipping sauce was excellent. This is a store I would like to visit again.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Haz F. 2 years ago on Google
    What a classic Aussie pub! Great simple food paired with a great drinks list! Such a cool old pub with a very nice open and modern outdoor eating area! Whilst still keeping the old school style pub alive on the inside! Had the chicken parmigiana, fish and chips and hamburger! Great food! Staff where very kind and friendly! Will definitely return at some point!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Trisha H. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing venue. Friendly staff & safe security who I’ve watched handle abusive clientele with respect & patience. The food is amazing. Get the broccolini! It’s a must try!! The artist singing had all of us singing along & having the best night out. We stopped for a drink & stayed for hours. 10/10 and a highlight of our girls trip to the city!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian D. 2 years ago on Google
    Great food, excellent location and live music - ticked all the boxes for us, and we managed to get a seat outside next to a heater. I know you didn't come here for a history lesson, but what looks like a typical Victorian pub back in England, was actually established in the Georgian era, or to be more specific, the Regency era. Lesson over. It's a fantastic pub and well worth a visit. 👍
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pieter L. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice vibe en good food. We had chicken parma, fish & chips and some lovely loaded humus.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Trev S. 2 years ago on Google
    It's an amazing venue, it's the oldest pub in Sydney. The staff are fantastic and live music in the beer garden. Good vibes in the heart of The Rocks
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stuart W. 2 years ago on Google
    Stopped by on Saturday night, glad we did. Outside seating area provided a good atmosphere, excellent service using app via table drinks or food. Live music was brilliant. Food was tasty, generous and good value. Pints are served for those with a big thirst!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melanie Renee C. 4 years ago on Google
    Atmosphere was awesome. No 20 year Olds which was fantastic. Food was awesome and the drinks even better. A lot of history in this pub. Loved it. A must do when in Sydney. Forgot to mention the live music that was just brilliant. Had us off all sing along with him playing all that awesome music from the 70s and 80s that you just can't help it sing and dance. Yes very busy pub but for a excellent reason it is well worth the weight for a drink it's not even that long oof a wait because you find yourself just dancing at the bar and singing still. . Wish I could have stayed longer I would have much rather spent the week there then on the cruise I went on. All the staff are extremely friendly couldn't fault them t at all.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Charisma M. 1 year ago on Google
    Was good to dine here. Service was good and so was the food! Will definitely come back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephen Tomas Q. 3 years ago on Google
    Place is 5 years old bar was made in China and shiped over and reassembled in Australia fact
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Rob G. 2 years ago on Google
    Terrible service. Sat down in outdoor section with our Pug and ordered drinks. When they served the drinks we were told that no dogs were allowed and had to alternate with one person outside minding the dog. Would not refund the drinks so we could leave. There was no signage and no one when we sat down to advise that dogs weren’t permitted. We’ve been in Sydney for 5 days and all other establishments allowed dogs outside. Waitress was rude and arrogant. Terrible customer service. Will never come back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashley S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great little pub on the rocks, a must visit. They have additional setting outside now and have been doing some great live music. Would strongly suggest for some afternoon drinks.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jock J. 2 years ago on Google
    The steak was slightly overdone but still tasty and great chips. Ordering using QR code was much easier than going to the bar for both food and drinks. Live music also great when we were there

  • 4/5 Ranjith M. 1 year ago on Google
    Sydneys oldest pub! View is great as it overlooks the bridge. Try the chicken schnitzel and order the hommus as a side.. well worth it!

  • 2/5 M.L A. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s been quit an experience! We ordered garlic bread and hummus and it was great. Then we ordered the cheese plate $27 bucks for about 4 water crackers, three bed sticks and two blocks of cheese and then some bread and apple. You end up with an abundance of cheese and bloody nothing to eat it with? They love to clear the plates - often before you finish you’re food. Toilets are dirty. Bar lines are long and drunks are in abundance. They can do some good live tunes but otherwise it’s a bit of a downer. Would love to give it more stars but you gotta earn them and this bad beast of a pub. Hasn’t quite got it yet

  • 4/5 Jo S. 1 year ago on Google
    We came across this pub accidentally as we were looking for a place to grab a drink and food. In this old-school pub, you are transported back in time. The Fortune of War dates back to 1828 and is Sydney's oldest pub. We ordered the Cheese Burger - beef patty served with melted cheese, pickles, mustard, ketchup, and chips on the side. It was yummy! Their great selection of beers kept us coming back for drinks throughout our stay in Sydney. A must-visit!

  • 5/5 Peter R. 2 years ago on Google
    Great to get the opportunity to have a frothy in Australia's oldest pub (had a couple actually). Sat outside amongst the throng with my family and it was terrific. The QR code order system works really well, and it was quite quick too. As a tourist (from Adelaide), sitting near the harbour, the bridge as a backdrop, and a cold Tooheys New Schooner in hand.... Priceless.

  • 5/5 Mel M. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a great night! Amazing music, super friendly staff and top shelf security peeps, made the night even more enjoyable for our girls weekend away. Would highly recommend, 10/10!

  • 5/5 Paul W. 1 year ago on Google
    If you want a good old fashioned pub with great service then the oldest pub in Sydney, 1828, is the place.

  • 5/5 Peter V. 2 years ago on Google
    Went for a walk around the Rocks on New Years Day evening, stopped for a drink, a light meal and enjoy the live music, we had a great night. So much so we went back again the next evening. it's going to be a go to destination when we just need to get out. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Danny S. 4 years ago on Google
    Sydney’s old pub, bouncers ??? pub has great atmosphere

  • 3/5 Julian Harrison Pike Harrison P. 4 years ago on Google
    The oldest pub in Sydney they say worth a drink or two.

  • 2/5 Wayne K. 4 years ago on Google
    Too crowded

  • 5/5 Brent C. 11 months ago on Google
    Great pub, was on vacation or “holiday” from the states, stopped by more than a few times for the cold Guinness and the live music… definitely will stop by again when I’m back in Sydney!

  • 4/5 Leanne M. 6 months ago on Google
    Love Fortune of War, always good music and atmosphere but first time and last time eating there, for $18 you get 4 small pieces of frozen Salt and Pepper Calamari. Come on add at least another 4 so disappointed ☹️

  • 5/5 Esther K. 6 months ago on Google
    A great place to meet with friends at the Rocks for a drink or two , just a 4 minute stroll from circular quay trains . Weather you sit inside or outside .. live band/ music and good vibes in Sydney’s oldest pub , Built in 1828 and still holds its old world charm and hamper style bar which is worth mentioning that it is Heritage listed . Bookings are best to avoid disappointment in this popular place .

  • 5/5 Pe. T. 7 months ago on Google
    One of the three pubs, claiming to be sydney oldest. i have no idea, who is right, but the fortune of war pub is a very nice place to start with. Good choice of tap beers, fair prices, nice baby Guinness shots and very friendly staff+ fair price. so, if you are around, make a stop!

  • 3/5 Valéry G. 7 months ago on Google
    My steak was too cooked and there was no tomato sauce or mayo in the bottles (we asked twice). When you order the steak, on the image there is a sauce but you have to other it separately. It’s an additional cost, makes no sens. The waitresses were not really skilled… Other then that, there was a good ambiance, a musician outside. They should do better on the service.

  • 4/5 Nicole “TheRealNicoleBling” D. 9 months ago on Google
    This was our first Pub and Dinner spot. We enjoyed the food! My fish filets were cooked to perfection! They are extremely crispy and seasoned. I was able to eat them later and they still were nice and crispy. They didn't provide salad dressing. I was able to eat the bed of salad of my Aoili salad. My hubby ordered the Parmesean chicken, it was really tasty. Could of used a little more sauce but was cooked really good. Wish they had a pasta option. The fries didn't pair well. Our freinds got shrimp and pasta. Some of the shrimp had veins in it still. The salmon was seared very crispy. The drink was good as well. Be prepared to get your own utensils and condiments. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.

  • 5/5 Linda 7 months ago on Google
    Glad I got to stop by this pub during my travels. Food and drinks were good. Service was a bit slow but the patio was quite busy so I get it. Overall a good solid patio for a bite and beer.

  • 5/5 Selene 8 months ago on Google
    Great place for a filling and high quality lunch! We had fish and chips, half rack ribs and beef nachos. All were favourable and large portion sizes. The chips were crunchy and great as well. The wait time was a bit longer than expected as it wasn't busy at the time we went. Otherwise the staff were friendly and accommodating.

  • 4/5 E 7 months ago on Google
    Everyone danced happily as the singer played the guitar and sang. I was very pleased to collect a scene from a western movie a long time ago. The food is delicious, too. I want to come back 😍

  • 4/5 Angel S. 8 months ago on Google
    Out of respect for the response to my review, I decided to give this place another shot. Honestly, to be fair to them, I’ll keep my prior review because it didn’t get better. The servers were pleasant, but the service was not any better. In fact, I asked to speak to the manager after waiting nearly 30 minutes for a salad and plan cheese burger. I introduced myself and stated based on the response to my latest review we decided to give the restaurant another chance. He was so disingenuous, and quite frankly he was aggravated, and he made excuses for everything. So, I said ok thanks for stopping by. The food was plain and flavorless. We leave soon, and will avoid this place like COVID. Prior experience: Such a great atmosphere, too bad the staff just don’t seem to care what this place represents. As Sydney’s oldest restaurant, one would think it would be an honor to work here. I would be honored, guess that’s what happens when your hire to hire, not hire someone who actually cares about the name and what it represents. We asked for hot sauce for the Nachos and were told they don’t have any. Then, we asked for Tabasco sauce, and were handed an empty bottle. We asked if they had more and were told obviously not of the bottle was empty. We said really and they brought something out.

  • 5/5 Peter F. 1 year ago on Google
    If you have a drink at the place recognized as the "oldest bar in Sydney," how can it not be a great experience. For me, the only thing needed for 5 stars is cold beer. Ha! ("Your mileage may vary"). A great collection of locals willing to chat about events of the day and places to visit. It has all the art, architecture, and smells that you'd expect in an "old bar"- use your imagination. If I could afford it, I'd make a day of it - alcohol is very expensive in Australia. Drink up! Enjoy!

  • 5/5 Shannon O. 11 months ago on Google
    Went there for a late dinner with my family came from overseas. Nice weather with fantastic atmosphere. Really nice food we had were Sirloin steak, fish and chips and grilled salmon with tap beer also a bottle of pink sparkling Moscato. Only thing was that there was a rat running around to take food from the floor 🥹

  • 3/5 RC 11 months ago on Google
    Sydney’s oldest pub still has that character and feel of the classic English pub that’s becoming rare in the ever-changing city. Missed the more “hardcore” pub grub previously that included crocodile skewers and kangaroo sirloin (above), or the Aussie BBQ Plate that combined both. A drink or two in the welcoming bar though is always a pleasant experience.

  • 2/5 Neo 11 months ago on Google
    We found this gem when we were walking around the street and realized this is the oldest bar in Sydney. But the service we find is quite disappointing, guess the waitress name is Melanie if I remember correctly. Not really friendly. Wanted to use the heater and she told us the heater is run out of gas and they don't have anymore gas left. Later on we approached another waitress and she was very helpful and she managed to get another gas and light up the heater for us. The environment is great. Love it. Food is good too. Everything is good just the service is disappointing.

  • 5/5 Robyn P. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a good look around at the oldest pub in Sydney. Tiled walls and original bar. The memorabilia on the walls were great. If you know the history behind the tiled walls, I wouldn’t recommend that you lean against them at all cost! Enjoyed the beer here!

  • 5/5 Candace S. 1 year ago on Google
    Historic pub with great food. I had the fish n chips. We sat outside to enjoy the atmosphere but I went inside to see all of the decor. Definitely worth a walk around.

  • 5/5 Stacey H. 1 year ago on Google
    Sydney's oldest pub (at least by one way of counting, there are a few vying for the honour), and a great place to grab a drink, especially if you grab an outdoor table 🍻

  • 5/5 Terence P. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice vibrant and popular bar situated in the interesting site of 'The Rocks' district and a stone's throw from Circular Quay. Seating area outside only, but the best place to be. Being the oldest pub, it has original charm and the service and range of drinks are spot on.

  • 5/5 michael w. 4 years ago on Google
    Classic pub

  • 5/5 Michael D. 3 years ago on Google
    Tom & Salty were very helpful. Good patrons and good food

  • 4/5 Malcolm E. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place

  • 5/5 ludovic g. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved it.

  • 4/5 Steve B. 3 years ago on Google
    Beer cold beer gooood

  • 5/5 bill m. 3 years ago on Google
    What a great pub. Superb staff, good choice of ice cold beer and friendly patrons. Excellent live music, too. Been to Australia 5 times (yank) and by far Fortune's is my favorite. So much history too. And close to everything. It's been 2 years but looking forward to another visit when we get Covid beat! Love this bar.

  • 5/5 Corina K. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing food, great location and the friendliest staff I have ever encountered. From me calling to check if they had space for to the goodbye as we left the bartender Will was lovely and I can't wait to come back with my whole family

  • 5/5 Ross 3 years ago on Google
    Great pub, lovely Guiness.

  • 5/5 Brendon B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place,

  • 4/5 Adam J T. 3 years ago on Google
    Great old pub

  • 5/5 george L. 3 years ago on Google
    I love the fortune of war the management and the bar staff and the patrons are beautiful people

  • 5/5 Grahame T. 3 years ago on Google
    What can you really say or appreciate the incredible history of this famous public bar. The ambience created belies the many stories that exist within its owners, staff, the loyal and passing-by patrons and the plethora of live acts who have performed at this iconic address. Since 1839 and licensed sometime in 1930, the Fortune of War has played its part in shaping the city of Sydney. The beers on tap represent a great variety, the menu looked very good, (despite us not stopping for a meal). This pub is worth a visit whether you are a Sydneysider or just passing through. Enjoy!

  • 1/5 chris o. 3 years ago on Google
    I visited your pub today Tuesday the 18/08/2020 at approximately 11 am for a beer and lunch, whilst visiting from regional NSW, the barman made eye contact but left the bar and the barmaid was serving a group. The barman returned served two customers and ignored me, the barmaid finished serving the group and walked away, at this point I left, feeling embarrassed, all I ask is the reason why?

  • 5/5 Martin Z. 4 years ago on Google
    Quick and easy reservation, nice and friendly staff. Our food was excellent (kangaroo steak, fish & chips, chicken parmigio) and also „The Stump Jump“ red wine delivered! Highly recommended!!

  • 5/5 Wayne S. 4 years ago on Google
    A very nice reminder of past years. Typical small pub which you could picture yourself in back in the mid 1800's. Established 1828. The main bar still looks like it may have been all those years ago

  • 5/5 Tina H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great spot to relax with a pint! We were looking for somewhere to wet our beaks after a day of walking the harbour and this place hit the spot! A great selection of beer and a cider on tap to hit everyone’s fancy. The staff was delightful and the ambiance was so enjoyable!

  • 5/5 Sophie K. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a amazing place with delicious and spicy food!!Thank you.

  • 5/5 Eiko I. 5 years ago on Google
    Good prices even for a tourist location. Sydney's oldest pub. Awesome add on: live music.

  • 3/5 hd f. 5 years ago on Google
    Had to go here! It's like the Aussie beer thing for me. First floor is a rowdy good time. I opted for the bistro up stairs and a mellow time with of course fish & chips. Service was good food was good.

  • 5/5 Dave B. 5 years ago on Google
    Really cool little pub. Great old style feel. Very comfortable and inviting. Had a couple dark beer options which were great. Nachos are highly recommended. Staff were very nice and added to the fun. Great place just to hang out for a bit.

  • 5/5 Jeffrey P. 1 year ago on Google
    Called in on my walk around the Rocks. Glad I did. Friendly service and crowd. Guy pumping out some tunes on various days. Will be trying the upstairs dining area next time. Another great visit 15th October 2022 Fantastic lunch

  • 5/5 Robert M. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome bar

  • 4/5 SR K. 4 years ago on Google
    It's quite old place so, if you want fancy place , you need to search other place. we had dinner at fortune of war. it's not bad . also staff are super kindly! they are really helpful for customers. I'll go this place again :) it was good experience for me:)

  • 5/5 Sharon H. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent service, great drinks and yummy food. Great atmosphere and loads of fun.

  • 5/5 Srdjan R. 4 years ago on Google
    Same spirit and very good beer (IPA)

  • 5/5 Dave M. 4 years ago on Google
    Tasty beer extremely friendly staff

  • 5/5 Daniel A. 4 years ago on Google
    The best bar in the rocks

  • 5/5 Andy T. 4 years ago on Google
    Best beers in Australia I had in 2020

  • 5/5 Chris W. 4 years ago on Google
    Best and oldest pub in Sydney. Fantastic place for a pint with views towards the harbour.

  • 5/5 Eamon M. 4 years ago on Google
    Serves draft Guinness which is hard to find in Sydney. Bar staff helpful and friendly.

  • 5/5 Paul 4 years ago on Google
    Really friendly and welcoming. Guinness is good and a nice location

  • 5/5 Philip R. 4 years ago on Google
    Great old school pub with at bar seating. The live music rarely disappoints

  • 4/5 Sharnee I. 4 years ago on Google
    Great ! Enjoyed this venue so much ?

  • 4/5 Christian A. 4 years ago on Google
    Decent pub!

  • 5/5 Gill B. 4 years ago on Google
    Very pleasant venue. Good choice of beers

  • 5/5 T. Y. 4 years ago on Google
    venerable architecture

  • 2/5 Rio H. 4 years ago on Google
    Macquarie Arms Hotel is Sydney’s oldest pub, founded 13 years prior to Fortune of War

  • 5/5 Stephen 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome old school style pub more like a British pub. Only ever been downstairs in the main bar. Dont expect a lot but it is what it is - a true pub and good location in the rocks

  • 5/5 Joe G. 4 years ago on Google
    My favorite pub in the world. Not much better than Dan Sharkey on a Sunday afternoon!

  • 5/5 Ben O. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautifully preserved pub with lots of history. Super friendly staff member all the way from Argentina. Thanks.

  • 5/5 Veronica B. 3 years ago on Google
    Aussie burger sooo good, amazing beers and kindest staff ever! love it!! a bit expensive but you pay for quality!


Call +61 2 9247 2714 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dancing
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Outside food allowed
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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