Fortune of War, The Rocks

Fortune of War, 137 George Street, Sydney
Reviewed by: Sydney Pub List, October 12, 2012
Review time: Lunch

2.5/5 schooners

Front bar beers in "Sydney's oldest pub"

Burger Bot enjoys a coldie at the front bar

It was time to get back to The Rocks. The Fortune of War is arguably Sydney's oldest pub and they're quite vocal about that statement. Walking into the place you certainly get a sense of many punter having been through the place. It kind of has that history smell about it....

The front bar is small and cosy, which is where we found the most enjoyment here. Further up the back there's a separate room with high tables and stools and further back, up some stairs, we found ourselves pulling up a dining table in a more "cleaner" feeling dining room with a view out the back of the Nurses Walk. Restaurant vibe.

View of ships n that

We order up a couple of beers (Carlton Draught $5.70 and James Squire $6.70) and some meals off the bistro menu (Salmon $17 and Pork Sosso's $15). The service out here isn't too bad - table service - so we don't even have to leave our seat for beer refills.



Salmon with some stuff and things

Joe - Overall the salmon wasn't too bad. Nicely cooked with some nice enough salad and chips. I'd rate my meal 2.5 out of 5.


Porkies?

Bot - Filled the hole but nothing to write home about. The sausages were ok, but average peas and mash. This certainly wasn't the cock of christ (in-joke). I am rating my meal 2 out of 5.

After the meal we head back for the front bar and pull up some stools by the front door. The view would be better if they could knock some of the middle wall out but given the heritage of the place it's understandable that hasn't happened.


George Street frontage

On the walls around the front bar you'll find lots of history with old pictures, sketches of historic buildings (still existing and now long gone) as well as some framed newspaper articles from over the years, capturing stiries from around the area. One set of articles of note is the ones about the "oldest pub debate".

For the money-mad, there are a couple of pokies tucked away up the back through some saloon doors. The toilets are upstairs and are shared with the Russel Wine Bar.

While the food wasn't great, it wasn't bad and the table service is a nice little bonus. Not a bad spot for a tourist to drop in for a bite among Sydney's historic Rocks. The front bar was probably our spot of choice though. The Carlton Draught price is a little high yet totally expected of the area. Note though, the price at The Observer (our review) just down the road was slightly cheaper at $5.50.

2.5 schooners from Sydney Pub List!

The oldest website in Sydney: http://www.fortuneofwar.com.au/