Big BBQ energy is coming to Newcastle's Hunter Street
The Newcastle CBD is about to welcome a bold new player, with Surly’s American Tavern locking in its first venue outside Sydney.
Taking over 231 Hunter Street, Surly’s will move into the heritage-listed building, bringing a different style of food and beverage experience to Newcastle’s CBD.
If you’ve spent any time in Sydney’s Surry Hills, you might already know Surly’s for its low-and-slow barbecue, American-style tavern feel. Now, that same formula is coming to Newcastle, with a focus on smoked meats, bold drinks, live sport, and a lively, social dining experience designed for groups, celebrations, and everything in between.
A spokesperson for Surly’s said,
“After more than a decade in Surry Hills, we were very deliberate about where the Surly’s brand would go next, and Newcastle felt like a natural fit. There’s an energy to the city at the moment - particularly in the East End - and a genuine appreciation for great hospitality, live sport, music, and venues with personality.
When we walked through 231 Hunter Street, it immediately felt like a space that could become something special. It has history, character, scale, and the kind of presence you just can’t manufacture.
Our goal isn’t simply to open another bar - it’s to create a venue that feels like it belongs in Newcastle while still bringing the bold food, drinks, atmosphere and a little bit of mischief that people know and love from Surly’s.”
The two-level venue, which has been part of Newcastle’s streetscape since the late 1800s, offers the kind of character and scale that caught the eye of Surly’s owners. With existing bar and kitchen infrastructure already in place, the team has a solid foundation to bring its signature style to life in the space.
The operator has committed to a 5 + 5-year lease over the heritage-listed venue, with Commercial Collective’s Sarah Willcox, Marcus Roddenby and Isaac Reville negotiating the deal. Sarah adds,
“Surly’s is the kind of operator people already know and follow, so this is an exciting one for Newcastle.”
“They are bringing a venue style that feels distinct from what is already in the market, and this building gives them the scale, exposure and personality to do it properly. It is a strong match between operator and location.”
The addition of Surly’s signals Newcastle’s growing appeal, with established Sydney operators increasingly looking to the city for their next move, particularly in the ever-evolving East End.
Opening in July-August, subject to final fit-out and approvals, Surly’s American Tavern will bring big flavours and something a little different to the CBD’s already buzzing lineup.
