Pub Grub: The Observer Hotel
The rich history of The Rocks is embedded within the walls of The Observer Hotel.
BAR SIDE
The rich history of The Rocks is embedded within the walls of The Observer, in its photos and prints which capture slices of the past and in its heritage building foundation.
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Constructed in 1848 as a two-storey, six-room public house, The Observer has kept its old world charm, complementing the general Old Rocks feel of the area. We can only imagine the kinds of stories we’d hear if walls could talk, but some names who have passed through include singer Pink and her husband Carey Hart (who hung out in the crowd during a gig) and West Tigers NRL player Benji Marshall. A little from column A, a little from column B; The Observer welcomes all kinds.
Being quite near tourist spots like Circular Quay and the Opera House, you’ll see many international visitors as well as locals and live music lovers. Oh, and also people after a juicy burger – The Burger Joint is serving up pub fare at The Observer. If you’re one of the rare few who aren’t into burgers, they also have steaks, seafood, nachos, quesadillas and wraps on offer (plus a vego and kids’ menu too). Cooked fresh, the meals come in generous portions for an affordable price – fills you up and won’t empty your wallet.
On the drinks side, the classic and boutique beer selection gets a spicing up every now and then with new brews, and you can also find something to complement your choice of burger on the extensive wine list.
If you’re looking for a yarn, The Observer’s got a reputation for friendly customer service, and the staff are always up for a chat. Perhaps they’ll tell you about the hotel’s resident ghost or what Pink is really like in her downtime.
Fun Fact
It’s a long-standing rumour that The Observer has its own resident ghost, said to be the spirit of a woman murdered by the then publican, N. Grindall, in 1944. The ghost has been sighted by a few staff members and patrons, all of whom have been male. Apparently there’s a recording floating around of plates and doors moving around of their own accord in the hotel, and tales have been told of hearing eerie noises after the pub’s closed.
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