A new chapter for Newcastle’s iconic Customs House Hotel
Few buildings are as woven into Newcastle’s identity as Customs House Hotel. Standing proudly on the foreshore since 1877, the grand sandstone building was originally designed by colonial architect James Barnet and served as the city’s Australian Customs offices for more than a century.
Over the decades the building has weathered plenty – including a roof fire and the 1989 Newcastle earthquake – before being transformed into the restaurant, bar, and event venue locals know and love today.
And while the building itself remains beautifully unchanged, a new chapter has begun behind the scenes.
L to R: Laura Stehr, part owner & Executive Chef Sean Townsend, Ben Stehr and Amy Evans-Bird
Late last year, Ben Stehr and his team stepped in as custodians of the iconic venue, with Ben and the new team quietly easing into the new role as he explains,
“We took over toward the end of 2025, and kept things very much business as usual over the summer period."
"This gave us a chance to get our feet under the desk and learn the venue, get to know our existing team and regulars, and get our bearings before introducing changes for a big 2026 and beyond.”
For Ben, who also owns TINTA Belmont, when asked whether Customs House Hotel had always been on his radar, he answered emphatically: “Absolutely. It’s the most iconic venue in Newcastle, both because of the building itself and the role it plays within the community.”
“We were approached to buy it and jumped at the opportunity."
“How could we pass up the opportunity to be the custodians of Customs House? We've always loved this building and know how iconic it is for everyone. The opportunity to bring a fresh energy and blend the heritage and history with our modern hospitality really, really excites us!”
Their approach is simple: honour the heritage while bringing fresh energy to the experience.
A key part of that vision is the appointment of part owner & Executive Chef Sean Townsend, who will oversee the culinary direction for both Customs House and support the head chef at TINTA Belmont.
Sean brings a wealth of experience from some of the region’s most respected kitchens, including time as Executive Chef at Brokenwood Wines and Head Chef at Muse Restaurant in Pokolbin. As Ben explains,
Part owner & Executive Chef Sean Townsend
“His knowledge, skill, and leadership are going to be pretty special for us! I've worked with Sean before and really respect his approach to the kitchen, and his food is unmatched in our region.
“He's passionate about creating a healthy hospitality culture, and he brings an incredible depth of knowledge and discipline along with a calm and structured approach to the broader team.”
Across the venue, a refreshed team led by Amy Evans-Bird is bringing new energy to the overall guest experience. Amy joins the team with strong hospitality and events experience, including time as manager at Bistro Penny and Event Executive at QT Newcastle.
Together, the team is planning to expand the events calendar and continue building on Customs House’s reputation as a place where locals gather for everything from casual drinks to weddings and celebrations.
That calendar is already taking shape, with the venue hosting an Autumnal Garden Party as part of Newcastle Food Month this April - a relaxed long lunch across two Saturdays featuring fresh seafood, flowing wine and a whole afternoon of entertainment.
Part owner & Executive Chef Sean Townsend and Manager Amy Evans-Bird
Importantly, the things Newcastle already loves about Customs House aren’t going anywhere. Expect live music in the beer garden, relaxed arvo drinks with friends, and those unbeatable harbour views from the verandah.
Looking ahead, there’s plenty in the pipeline. Plans include extending the outdoor beer garden space and introducing a woodfired pizza kitchen and bar, perfectly timed to coincide with the new playground being developed nearby – creating an even more welcoming spot for families and locals alike.
On the menu, guests can expect something for every occasion. The Bar and Beer Garden will keep the familiar crowd favourites, while the Dining Room and Verandah will showcase Sean’s refined approach to seasonal cooking.
Pair it with a selection of Australian wines, classic cocktails, and popular tap beers, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a memorable visit.
More than 140 years since it first opened its doors, Customs House Hotel remains one of Newcastle’s most iconic meeting places – and with this new team at the helm, its next chapter is shaping up to be just as exciting as its history.
