Sydney's Oldest Pub - Outside of Building
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The Fortune of War

4.4
·3k reviews·The Rocks, Australia

Sydney's oldest pub (est. 1828) in The Rocks, offering historic charm, live music, and delicious pub fare.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Less crowded, great live music

CrowdMedium
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Sydney's Oldest Pub - Outside of Building

The Fortune of War

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Less crowded, great live music

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Sydney's oldest pub (est. 1828) in The Rocks, offering historic charm, live music, and delicious pub fare.

4.4
(3k reviews)

"A top pub to have a drink and a chat. Wonderful atmosphere and decor at Sydney’s oldest pub."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 3,350 reviews

Type

Pub

♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Ambiance

Historic Ambiance

The Rocks

Soak in the atmosphere of Sydney's oldest pub, a cozy, wood-accented space with a rich history.

TikTok
Live Music Nights

Live Music Nights

Bar Area

Enjoy live bands and solo acts that bring a vibrant energy to the pub in the evenings.

TikTok
Classic Pub Fare

Classic Pub Fare

Bistro

Savor delicious and fresh bistro and bar food, including hearty sandwiches and popular dishes like chicken parma.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the History

Step back in time at Sydney's oldest pub, established in 1828. Experience its historic charm and cozy atmosphere, a true Sydney landmark. TikTok

Timing is Key

This popular spot can get busy, especially during live music nights. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience, or book ahead for indoor seating. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Less crowded, great live music
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Relaxed vibe, outdoor seating
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sydney’s oldest pub, **Fortune of War** (est. **1828**), sits in **The Rocks** with a historic charm, **great food**, **cold beers**, and **live music @City of Sydney @New South Wales @Darling Harbour #sydneypub #fortuneofwar #therockssydney #historicpub #livemusicsydney #foodandbeer #oldestpubsydney #localfav #sydneynightlife #coldbeercheers 🍻
@aussiebuzz
36 likes • 1.2K views

🎯 Guinness Taste-Off

Compare a pint of Guinness here with Hero of Waterloo for the ultimate taste test! Reddit

🍽️ Book Indoor Seating

Indoor booth seating is popular; reserve in advance to avoid long waits. Reddit

*PARMA REVIEW* @ Fortune of War, Sydney! #foodreview #foodcritic #chickenparmigiana #parmanotparmi #contreversial #foodtiktok #sydneyfood #meal #lunch
@jezzdj
325 likes • 18K views
#FortuneofWarSydney
@biancaqmech_8
2 likes • 389 views

🎶 Enjoy Live Music

Catch live bands and solo acts for a vibrant evening atmosphere. TikTok

🍟 Delicious Potato Scallops

Don't miss the tasty potato scallops, a crowd favorite! Reddit

reddit.com

Oldest Pub in Sydney

Just travelling though Sydney and I thought I’d stop and try a Guinness at fortune of war hotel. This may be one of the best pints I’ve had!

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Guinness Taste-Off

Compare a pint of Guinness here with Hero of Waterloo for the ultimate taste test! Reddit

🍽️ Book Indoor Seating

Indoor booth seating is popular; reserve in advance to avoid long waits. Reddit

🎶 Enjoy Live Music

Catch live bands and solo acts for a vibrant evening atmosphere. TikTok

🍟 Delicious Potato Scallops

Don't miss the tasty potato scallops, a crowd favorite! Reddit

📱 Touchless Ordering

Utilize the touchless digital ordering system for convenience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(3k reviews)

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

Historic charm
Live music
Good food

What People Dislike

Slow service at peak times
Busy atmosphere

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. TikTok

Parking in The Rocks can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or rideshare services to reach the pub. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy walking around The Rocks to see the historic laneways and architecture before heading to the pub for a drink or meal. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, The Fortune of War is a pub and entry is generally free. You only pay for food and drinks. TikTok

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. TikTok

Yes, advance reservations are possible and recommended, especially for indoor booth seating, as it can get crowded. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Expect a cozy, historic pub atmosphere with wood accents. Evenings are vibrant with live music, making it a lively spot. TikTok

Yes, The Fortune of War offers outdoor seating, which is a great option to enjoy a drink in the Sydney weather. Reddit

Service can be a bit slow during busy times, but staff are generally friendly and efficient. They use a touchless digital ordering system. Reddit

Most seating is first-come, first-served (FCFS). Indoor booth seating often requires a reservation. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

They offer a variety of Australian and Western dishes, including seafood, sandwiches, and classic pub fare. TikTok

The chicken parmigiana has been reviewed, and potato scallops are noted as delicious. Sandwiches are also served in good portions. TikTokReddit

Food and drinks are considered fairly priced for the Sydney area, offering good value. Reddit

Reviews indicate that the food is fresh and delicious, with recent renovations seemingly improving the kitchen's performance. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the historic interior with its wood accents and cozy seating. The exterior in The Rocks also offers a charming backdrop. TikTok

Yes, you are welcome to take photos inside the pub to capture its historic ambiance and your dining experience. TikTok

The Rocks itself is very photogenic with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, perfect for pre- or post-pub photos. TikTok

The Fortune of War (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide