These are the articles you read, shared, and liked the most from 2025
In what is our final article for 2025 we'd like to take a look back at our 10 most-read and shared stories for 2025. As always it's a stellar lineup of small businesses doing big things. We hope over the summer break you get a chance to get out and visit, one or all of them.
We would also like to thank everyone who has visited HUNTERhunter in 2025.
Finally, we’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Catch you in 2026!
10. Cross Keys Hotel
Yet to even open, The Cross Keys Hotel has spiked your interest, and by the looks of it you're keen to get in there. In early 2025, after more than four decades, Tighes Hill's landmark is set to rejoin Newcastle’s pub scene in a big way. Brought back to life by hospitality duo Corey and Kristy Crooks – also of Newcastle East’s renowned Grain Store – the venue has had a total revamp, and is gearing up to become Tighes Hill’s newest old favourite.
9. Donda
Originally popping up in Bolton Street Pantry, Donda launched with a bang. The intimate and ever-evolving dining experience brought new energy to the city’s food scene. It’s a story, and a reflection of its creator, Niah, or Noodles, as he’s better known. You'll just need to keep your eyes on socials as to when this bundle of energy returns.
8. Union St Pastry
After stepping away from their patisserie in Lorn several years ago, Jessica and Phillip returned to the pastry world with a bang earlier this year, bringing a fresh perspective and a new venture - Union St Pastry. Tucked onto Wickham’s Union Street, Union St Pastry may only be small but it packs plenty of both sweet and savoury flavour.
7. The Clairfield Hotel Mudgee
The one and only accommodation to make the list, The Clairfield Hotel in Mudgee has been created by Joe and Jill Adendorff, who have poured their hearts into creating a space that reflects the beauty, history, and intimacy of Mudgee.
6. Little Poland Dining
Perhaps a little unexpected, but for those who have dined at Little Poland Dining you'll appreciate why it made the list. Operating out of the Polish Association of Newcastle, and created by friends-turned-family Justyna and Eliza, every second Friday night the Broadmeadow location transforms into something remarkable: a bustling slice of Poland that brings slow-cooked stews, handmade pierogi, and a whole lot of community buzz to the table.
5. Papalote
One of the biggest openings of the year, Papalote marks not only the relaunch of The Edwards space, but the coming together of two of Newcastle’s most respected restaurateurs — Michael Portley and Stephanie Wells of Humbug, alongside Eduardo Molina of Flotilla. As expected, the food and drinks are exceptional, but what truly sets Papalote apart is how the team has created a space that celebrates culture, connection, and craft.
Image credit; Dom Cherry
4. Sukimama
Islington was the lucky suburb to score the unmistakable sizzling Korean street food - Sukimama, brought to you by Suki. We've followed Suki around the last few years, catching her many pop-ups and the more established Merewether Surf Club set up, so we were excited to see the more permanent location take shape down the alley way along Maitland Road.
3. The George Darby Hotel
One of Newcastle's most iconic eating and drinking destinations reopened the doors, following some major edits by Cath Antaw and Stewart Smith – the duo behind The Great Northern Hotel in Teralba and formerly of The Commonwealth Hotel in Cooks Hill. The vision for The George Darby Hotel was simple, create a central hub for the community, a place equally suited for a pre-show dinner as it is for a lazy afternoon watching the world go by.
2. Pavilion by Slingtown
Delivered by Chris and Steph of Slingtown together with friends Matt and Jess, we knew the Carrington concept was going to be good, and the team well and truly delivered. The 18-month project was ambitious, that being an all-day dining destination offering high-quality coffee, house-made gelato, a diverse food menu, together with wines, beers, and cocktails, giving you plenty of reasons to visit and stay.
1. Maru Hi-Fi
The long lead up, the multiple whispers we were hearing, and the occasional hints dropped by Andrew Coughlan and Joel Hillier left us with high expectations, and there was absolutely no disappointments, Maru Hi-Fi is unlike any other venue we've visited before. The Japanese-inspired listening cafe designed and built by Andrew and Joel, whose attention to detail, and level of care are obvious from the moment you step inside.
That's a wrap!! Thank you to everyone who has landed on HUNTERhunter in 2025, we’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Catch you in 2026!
