New Lambton residents, listen up – a new persona has arrived in town with a collection of traditional Italian eats and a wine list to match that will have you returning for more.

Welcome to Alfie’s.

The talented team behind Carrington favourite The Criterion – Raf, Ronnie, Mitch, Luciano, and Greg – are eager to invite you in for a drink, a feed, and a catch-up at Alfie’s.

The experienced hospitality crew have worked their magic on the former Article 24 space on Regent Street, injecting a fresh personality alongside their signature elevated approach in this suburban meeting spot.

“Newcastle needs more of these suburban places to dine and drink at. They’re not having to Uber or to drive, but actually just being able to walk from their home,” Ronnie said.

So, who exactly is Alfie?

“He’s friendly and fun, and when in the company of friends, he’s a really good time. With his infectious charm, he brings joy to every occasion with a love of food and wine.”

Alfie, not just the name of the venue but the personality behind it, invites you in for an afternoon tipple, a friendly catch-up, a family soiree, and everything in between.

“It’s a place to gather for any reason or… no reason at all.”

The interiors have been kept simple and refined featuring a light colour palette with touches of green dotted throughout.

Table settings exude elevated energy with bespoke leather menu bindings and coasters by Tamboon Leather Co. and custom linen napkins created by Wickham-based homewares and lifestyle store, House of Lita.

Alongside those soft furnishings and simple aesthetic changes, the interior has been slightly modified including the lowering of one side of the bar and cut-out to the kitchen - now home to a pizza oven and top-tier flywheel meat slicer.

Additionally, their almighty wine wall will have wine lovers picking their jaws up off the floor. Currently featuring over 100 different bottles of wine, the wine list offers visitors something new to be discovered on each and every visit.

“I want to expand people’s tastes. Everyone knows what they like, all they need to tell me is what they like, and what they usually drink, and I’ll find something to match.”

The share-style menu includes Antipasti, Primi, Pasta, Secondi, Contorni, Dolce, and of course, a Cheese selection. The focus is very much fresh and simple yet sophisticated.

“It’s not really an entrée and main kind of menu. You can come in and have a glass of wine and a bowl of pasta. You can also come in, have a glass of wine and have a table full of snacks.”

Sticking with those traditional Italian-style share dishes, you can expect tempting offerings on a seasonal rotation.

Some standouts from the menu include the made-to-order Pizza Bread, Burrata served with fennel agrodolce, Marinated Peppers, Prosciutto Di Parma; Polenta Chips with black garlic aioli, Kingfish Crostini with lemon and chilli; Mafaldini Ossobuco Ragu; 800g Rib Sirloin; and Torta Caprese with mascarpone.

“We’ve also got options for bigger groups to do set menus. We have both a $60 and $80 menu. If you’ve got a group of four or more, you can get these feed-me-style menus.”

Officially opening up to the public in early June 2023, Alfie’s may only be fresh on the scene but is already fast becoming the talk of the town.

“It’s a place to just actually come to relax and enjoy. It’s a place away from home where you can feel at home.”