Fortune of War - Sydney's Oldest Pub Claim this business

Jackie Wuon Google

3 months ago

There’s something really special about having a meal or drink in Sydney’s oldest pub, and the historic atmosphere adds so much character and charm to the experience. It has a great atmosphere, especially with all the activity around The Rocks. The indoor dining area, known as the bistro was also warm. The food was solid pub fare with generous portions and reasonable prices, especially considering the location. Everything we ordered was enjoyable. My only disappointment was that they didn’t have bangers and mash on the menu, it just feels like the perfect dish for a historic pub like this!

Lina Con Google

2 months ago

Visited today for lunch and sat outside under the umbrellas. We were seated immediately by the lovely staff servicing the area. Service was efficient and friendly. We both had the Fried Chicken Burger $29 (Soft burger bun, fried chicken, melted cheese, sriracha,coleslaw, bacon, maple jam & chips) which was delicious. We have been coming here often and can’t fault it. It’s a lovely pub with great seating indoors and out and the staff are just the best; courteous, friendly and approachable. Highly recommend.

Ivan Tehon Google

5 months ago

Dining Experience @ Fortune Of War Pub. . Ambience exudes nostalgia. The combination of heritage wooden timber, high ceilings, cozy space, and warm lights in the interior have an intimate feel. The ample natural sunlight, cobblestone streets, and striped umbrellas in the exterior lend a lively feel. Sturdy and comfortable furnishings allow for lingering, and the place is often crowded and buzzing with chatter or live music. The walls are lined with decor, including old photographs and maritime memorabilia, recalling the history of the surrounding area. . Service emphasises warm old‑fashioned hospitality as a core value, and the evidence is observable in action. Staff are quick with a greeting, efficient even during peak dining hours, and always ready with a recommendation, a good demonstration of product knowledge. They clean up quickly when diners are finished, and the kitchen also executes dishes quickly yet consistently. There’s a friendliness here that feels more like a country pub than a city venue, and that attracts many to become regular repeat customers. . Food is classic British English cuisine and Australian pub cuisine. Many dishes are menu staples honed by the kitchen team over the years, made using fresh ingredients daily, and boast reliable and consistent textures and flavours in execution. Kudos to current Executive Chef Mark Williamson for carrying them forward! Portions are large and generous for individuals, substantial and presented in pleasing rustic style. Prices are reasonable and represent good value for money, budget about AUD $38 / SGD $35 per person.

Aslaan Safaieon Google

7 months ago

Had a great time here. I liked the historic vibe. You could really feel the character of the place. Perfect spot for a relaxed drink in The Rocks with a proper old-school pub atmosphere. Good selection of beers, solid pub food, and a lively feel without being overwhelming. Service couls have been better and more efficient though. Great place to stop by when you’re around the harbour. 🍻

Ashlee Jaydeon Google

3 months ago

I visited Fortune of War in June 2026 while exploring The Rocks with some friends. We walked over from Circular Quay along the harbour, making the most of the beautiful Sydney weather before wandering into the historic precinct. The pub is incredibly easy to find, sitting right in the heart of The Rocks with plenty of outdoor seating and a charming heritage facade that immediately catches your eye. It is one of several venues in the area that lays claim to Sydney’s oldest pub title, but it certainly feels steeped in history both inside and out. Before settling in, we had a wander through the venue to see what it was like. The ground floor centres around a large traditional bar with seating scattered throughout and plenty of room to move around. There were groups gathered around the bar enjoying drinks, while additional dining areas extended further through the building. Upstairs was home to the gaming area, which was mostly filled with pokey machines, so we headed back downstairs and decided to grab a table outside instead. On a sunny Sydney afternoon, it was easily the best seat in the house. I stopped by the bar and ordered a lemon, lime and bitters before we settled in. It was honestly one of the strongest and most bitter lemon, lime and bitters I have ever had. I even went back and asked for a little extra lemonade to balance it out. Once adjusted though, it was refreshing enough and paired well with the food. We ordered through the QR code at the table and decided to share a few smaller dishes. I ordered the chips with aioli, while my friends chose the wings and the potato cakes. The food arrived fairly quickly and was genuinely delicious. The chips were hot, crispy, and perfect for sharing, while the aioli added plenty of flavour. My friend absolutely loved the wings, and the standout for me ended up being the potato cakes. They were soft and fluffy inside with a crunchy batter on the outside and disappeared very quickly from the table. The wait staff were lovely throughout our visit and did a great job bringing food and checking on tables. The only slight downside was the bar service, which felt a little slower and less attentive. I found myself waiting a while to catch someone’s attention on a couple of occasions. It wasn’t enough to ruin the experience, but it was noticeable compared to the service elsewhere in the venue. What I enjoyed most about Fortune of War was the atmosphere. It has that classic old school Australian pub feel that suits The Rocks perfectly. The building has plenty of character, and while the indoor spaces are relatively compact, they’ve made excellent use of what they have. The outdoor dining area especially is a fantastic place to sit with a drink and a meal while watching people wander through one of Sydney’s most historic neighbourhoods. Overall, I really enjoyed my visit. The food was excellent, the location couldn’t be much better, and the atmosphere felt exactly like what you hope for when visiting a historic Sydney pub. If you’re spending time around Circular Quay or The Rocks and want somewhere with a bit of character, good food, and plenty of history, I would definitely recommend stopping by Fortune of War for a meal or a drink.