Woolpack Hotel Redfern

Redfern watering hole The Woolpack is entering a new era in 2022—now managed by The Good Atelier. The highlight of the refresh is a new menu crafted by local legend Toby Wilson of Rico's Tacos, which includes pub classics and a few references to the iconic Aussie fish and chip shop. 

Behind The Good Atelier is Aaron Crinis, and he's appointed maestro of pub refurbs Jaime Wirth (The George, The Duke, and The Old Fitz) as his creative collaborator for The Woolpack.

The pair has ensured the grit and laidback vibes of the pub have stayed the same—the pub is still dog-friendly—but they have added some notable improvements. Like, extending the footprint of the pub's signature outdoor bench seating and transforming the upper storeys of the pub into artist studios. 

As for Wilson's menu, there's a classic schnitty (essential), a rissole sandwich with beetroot jam and caramelised onion, and a potato scallop butty with curry sauce. Snacks include potato wedges served with labneh and fermented chilli, onion rings with malt vinegar and ranch, and potato chips with french onion dip. In a nutshell—Aussie nostalgia at its finest. 

Trivia will carry on on Tuesday nights, and Wirth has sorted a roster of DJs for the weekends (request a tune for a gold coin donation to charity). From May, The Woolpack will kick off Sunday roasts with live jazz. 

Image credit: Jessica Nash