The Carlisle Castle Is Reopening Under The Team Behind The Bat & Ball Hotel

One of Newtown's most beloved pubs is getting a new lease on life, with the team behind Redfern favourite The Bat & Ball Hotel set to take over the Carlisle Castle Hotel later this year.

The independent hospitality group—which includes Doom Juice's Zac Godbolt alongside Rachael Paul, Dan McBride, Dynn Szmulewicz and Cameron Votano—has announced plans to become the next custodians of the historic neighbourhood pub, marking their second venue together following the successful revival of The Bat & Ball in 2024.

For McBride, the appeal of 'The Castle' was immediate.

"It's one of those places that most Inner Westies have found themselves at at some point," he tells Urban List.

"It has all the things we really like—or, as first-time pub runners with The Bat & Ball, the things we've learned we like. It's got all the old bones: the nice tiles, the character, the underbar. It feels very historical."

Image credit: Carlisle Castle Hotel | Website

Located on a quiet residential pocket of Newtown, Carlisle Castle Hotel has been a local institution since 1876. While the group considered several venues during their search for a second pub, McBride says they kept finding themselves drawn back to the Carlisle.

"We got a little bit fixated on it," he says.

"We all live in the area, still do or have at some point, and it's very much our favourite neighbourhood."

Rather than pursuing a dramatic overhaul, the group's focus is on preserving the character that has made the pub such a fixture of the local community. Heritage features—including the venue's iconic Resch's marble bar dating back to the 1920s—will remain front and centre as part of a broader restoration.

"The mentality I always push is that you're not really the owner of these places—you're the custodian or caretaker for the next 10, 15 or 20 years," explains McBride. "Your job is to leave it better than you found it."

"Add and embellish, don't destroy."

While full details of the food and drink offering are still under wraps, executive chef Cameron Votano will oversee the kitchen across both the Carlisle Castle Hotel and The Bat & Ball Hotel. McBride says locals can expect the same philosophy that has made The Bat & Ball a destination, with a focus on high-quality pub classics, approachable pricing and a few surprises made possible by the venue's larger kitchen.

"It'll be pub food like people have come to expect from The Bat & Ball, but done to a very high standard," he shares.

"We won't be trying to do gastropub vibes. It'll be very good-quality pub fare—all the classics—with a little bit of elevation."

Image credit: Carlisle Castle Hotel | Website

Affordability will also remain a key focus, with the group committed to offering accessible specials and value-driven dining at a time when eating out is becoming increasingly expensive.

When the doors reopen later this year, McBride hopes regulars will recognise the pub they know and love—just with a little extra care behind it.

"I hope people see the love that's gone into it," he says.

"We've been working on this one for a long time, and I hope people see the dedication that's gone into preserving the unique loveliness of an old pub like the Carlisle."

The Carlisle Castle is expected to reopen later in 2026, with further details on the menu, drinks program and venue offering set to be announced closer to launch.

Image credit: Supplied