The Bank

The Bank is a Newtown pub with several ways to settle in, from its downstairs Garden Bar and Dining area to the Public Bar and Terrace, with an upstairs ballroom also listed among its spaces. The venue describes itself as a community hub with live music, a safe space and late nights, and sits just metres from Newtown Station. It is also close to Erskineville, Enmore, Camperdown and Alexandria, making it a practical meeting point for Inner West catch-ups, drinks and events.

The food takes its cues from the Mediterranean, with local and seasonal produce cooked over charcoal and designed for sharing. The menu ranges from smaller plates such as Charred Red Pepper Dip, Stracciatella with blistered grapes and pistachios, Grilled King Prawns with chermoula, and Crispy Calamari, through to larger dishes including Ricotta Gnocchi, Chicken Schnitzel and the Bank Cheeseburger. The From The Coals section includes lamb rump, barramundi, scotch fillet, rump and chicken, served to share with a choice of side, sauce and condiment. Vegetarian and vegan choices are marked on the menu, and a shared-style Feed Me option is available for groups of four or more. The venue also says it uses Australian seafood.

Drinks cover a broad pub-to-dining-room spread, with classic cocktails, Bank signatures, spritzes and non-alcoholic cocktails alongside a wine list spanning Australian and international regions. The cocktail menu includes options built around coffee, citrus, tropical fruit and spirits, while the wine selection includes sparkling, white, rosé, skin-contact and red wines. That makes The Bank suitable for a casual drink, a meal with friends or a longer group gathering where people want different styles of food and drinks.

The venue positions itself as part of Newtown’s local fabric rather than simply a place to eat and drink. It sponsors Newtown Festival, supports local food and neighbourhood initiatives, and provides space for community groups, meetings, socialising, functions and events. It is part of Solotel, a family-run pub group whose history in hospitality dates back to 1910. With its mix of shared food, multiple bar areas, live music and event spaces, The Bank is best suited to groups and community occasions, while the food and drinks offering also leaves room for a relaxed date or an informal meal near the station.