This old-school favourite gets a refreshed look
Over in the suburb of Maryland, sits an old favourite watering hole that has come back to life with a brand-new, expertly designed, and refreshed venue, introducing the new look of Maryland Tavern.
The newly relaunched venue only opened its new space on the 8th of February and has since officially put Maryland on the map with its impeccable interior design, state-of-the-art kids’ play area, and above everything, its top-notch foodie offering with Executive Chef, Maurizio Pocino at the helm.
With the well-known Hotel group, Marvan Hotels, having taken over the venue back in 2012, big plans for this family-friendly suburb and the Maryland Tavern have been slowly coming to life with the big launch being a welcome addition for locals.
“Maryland, Fletcher, and surrounds were rapidly changing and growing, and so did we. The new Maryland Tavern encompasses all the features of a modern-day pub, while still retaining value proposition.”
Having jumped across the car park from their original site, Maryland Tavern now sits on the right side as you enter the area, with the old site set to be a brand-new Woolworths due to be open at the end of this year.
“This new centre will serve as the social and economic hub for Maryland and Fletcher.”
The venue has truly come into the modern hotel era with the new build coming to life at the hands of North Sydney-based architects, Bergstrom Architects, and Central Coast-based builders, Collaborative Construction.
The interiors feature dark and moody hues with pops of timber throughout, giving off an approachable industrial feel. From the leather booths, timber bar-top, and brick tile feature wall, to the high-top tables, copper beer tap, and open kitchen; every element throughout has been thoroughly considered.
The venue is divided into four distinct sections; offering unique dining experiences for all. The Sports Bar comes to life with their huge three-by-three dedicated sport screen. Move through to the bistro featuring long tables, booths, and cosy nooks.
Just off the bistro area is where the kids get to have all the fun with an interactive games room which is viewable from almost every single table; saving you from having to get up every two minutes to check on the kidlets!
The outdoor area is split into two separate areas; one for smokers, and the other just off the car park perfect for those who enjoy a little outdoor breeze or the afternoon sun.
For those keen to know how the menu fares, you’ll want to buckle in because, with Maurizio behind all of Maryland Tavern’s foodie genius, every dish is a pure winner in our eyes.
Starting with a bunch of light dishes or share plates, we would suggest ordering a round of oysters (shucked to order). Choose from Natural, Kilpatrick, with West Indian Hot Sauce, or with Shallot Vinaigrette with tabasco and lemon.
It’s no traditional Aussie tavern experience without pizza, but Maryland Tavern has taken it that extra level with a huge pizza oven taking over half of the kitchen. Our picks?
Our two favourites would be the Rustic with a mozzarella base, aromatic potatoes, fresh Italian sausages, and rosemary oil; and the Bufalo & Proscuitto made on a tomato base, with fior di latte, san daniele prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella, heirloom tomato, and rocket.
What goes hand-in-hand with pizza? Pasta of course. Taking their pasta very seriously, there’s no pesto or carbonara on the menu. No, it’s their Squid Ink Linguine complete with Shark Bay blue manna crab, garlic, chilli, cherry tomato, basil, and evoo - it is their pasta showstopper.
“We’re focussed on catering for families and locals with our pizza oven, wide beer selection, large bistro, and kids' play area.”
Not just focussing on pizza and pasta, the food menu has a great selection of pub favourites with the likes of schnitzel and fish & chips on the menu.
Further main dishes that are worth taste testing for yourself include the Atlantic Salmon served alongside black rice risotto, tamarind jam, kewpie mayo, and marinated mushrooms. For the meat lover, you can’t go past their grill menu or go all out and get your hands on a cut from the dry ager.
Whatever you’ll be ordering, you’ll want to swing by the bar and sample what they’ve got stocked. From a huge wine variety, more than 20 beers available (including your typical Aussie favs alongside a handful of craft goodies), and a curated selection of classic cocktails, boozy slushies, plus mocktails; there’s something for everyone.
The refreshed space is no doubt going to be a favourite for residents in Maryland and the surrounding areas of Wallsend, Fletcher, and Shortland. With a constantly rotating selection of events including live music on Friday and Saturday evenings from 8pm, Sunday live music from 5pm, and more; there’s even more reason to pop by Maryland Tavern.
Whether you live in the area and are dying to check out the new venue, consider yourself a bit of a pub connoisseur, or are on the lookout for a new family-friendly venue, drop into Maryland Tavern and see what the fuss is all about for yourself.
