Have you visited iconic Darby Street pub Hotel Delany recently? Affectionately known as The Del, the much-loved venue is set to undergo an exciting multi-million dollar renovation, and with the upcoming refurbishment comes a brand new menu.

To give you the lowdown on all the delicious eats on offer, we dropped by and chatted with Executive Chef Stephen Scott and Head Chef Jeff Rofe. 

With Jeff at the helm under Stephen’s guidance, the new menu is a mix of street food-style bites and pub favourites – it’s fun and full of share dishes, so you can sit around the tables with your mates and enjoy.

The street food-style offering originally came about while the pub underwent renovations, but Jeff loved the style of cooking so much that it’s here to stay.

“For me, street food is a great fun way to do simple, honest food. But when it’s simple, you still have to get it right because it shows if you don’t – and that keeps you on your toes,” Jeff said.

“Street food is something that I am passionate about and a style that I really enjoy cooking – it also brings a really relaxed atmosphere which tends to help bring in more happy patrons and makes it easier for them to have a good time while they’re here.”

If you head to the To Share section of the menu, you’ll find dishes with Mexican flair, like a prawn cocktail tostada, juicy fried corn ribs with manchego and smoked chilli mayo, and onion rings with chilli salt.

If you’re after something a little heartier to share, grab the loaded fries (either Big Mac-style or topped with smoked cheese kransky) or the fried chicken tenders with plum sauce. 

Of course, the epitome of street food is the humble taco, and you’ll now find Tiki Tiki Tacos on the menu at The Del. Stephen’s favourite? The spiced roast lamb.

“We use really top quality Pukara lamb from the Hunter Valley… It's marinated and slow braised overnight, then gets a hit on the flat grill to finish which gives it some really nice crispy edges and caramelises the meat. Pairing the meat with fresh toppings and a soft tortilla just really rounds it off,” Stephen said.

There’s a burger for everyone on the hefty Between The Buns section of the menu. Stephen’s famous fried chicken has made a triumphant return on the Motha Clucka burger, while the Greek-influenced El Zorba is an elevated take on lamb gyros. 

The team hasn’t forgotten about pub classics that everyone knows and loves, with great steaks, a proper schnitty, and a tasty garlic bread (on house-made focaccia) all making an appearance on the menu. Healthier options like the poke bowl and vegan mushroom bolognese pasta mean there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Jeff also shared that he’s got plans in the works for woodfired pizzas and dry ageing his own meats, so there’s plenty to get excited about when you dine at The Del.

Are the cravings starting to kick in? Make sure you get into Hotel Delany while this cracking menu lasts.