Lady Hampshire

Nightly gigs, smash burgers, and brown butter Espresso Martinis. This iconic Parramatta Road pub has entered a new era under the guidance of PUBLIC hospitality group. 

PUBLIC's growing portfolio includes pubs The Strand Hotel, Camelia Grove, and The Norfolk Hotel, and Paddington boutique hotel Oxford House. In April 2023, PUBLIC acquired the Maybe Sammy Group too, following the success of El Primo Sanchez, which was launched as a collab between the two brands.  

With Lady Hampshire, PUBLIC has maintained the pub's original live music roots. Expect to see gigs Wednesday through Sunday, featuring local talent as well as acts from all around the world. The pub's sound quality and flow have been improved too, so you can make the most of band night, or just kick back in the beer garden. 

In the Lady Hampshire kitchen is head chef Brendan King (ex-Baba’s Place, FISH SHOP). The menu ticks off classic counter meals, like chicken schnitzel served with your choice of mash and jus or chips and jus and a classic Hampshire smash burger. Snacks include salt and pepper wings, salted cod croquettes, and samosa spring rolls. 

King explains the menu is all about "pub classics with spins fitting the neighbourhood, and as Lady Hampshire becomes re-lived in, the menu will evolve with it and become even more embedded in the Inner West's food scene". 

To drink, it's classic beers on tap, alongside a cute mix of signature cocktails named after British royalty. Like the "Beatrice", which is a brown butter Espresso Martini, the "Charles" with Hennessy, rhubarb, and ginger, and the "Harry", with Espolon Blanco, jalapeno, and watermelon. 

Inside, the pub features a mural of Aussie icons by Sydney-based Scott Marsh. Artwork by local artists is also displayed throughout the Lady Hampshire, which is available to purchase.

Behind the pub's refreshed interiors is regular PUBLIC collaborator, George Gorrow. "It was very important for us to retain as much original character of the venue as we could and take a hands-on, honest, and raw approach drawing inspiration from the venue's history," he explains.

"Our primary focus was to expand on the venue's role in the community as a live music venue."

Check out the gigs coming up at Lady Hampshire here. 

Image credit: Pat Stevens