Fortune of War - Sydney's Oldest Pub

Food is decent and fairly priced. Great that advance reservation is possible. The pub is crowded with drinkers. Outdoor area has live singing. Glad we manage to visit the oldest pub in Sydney!

Lovely venue with a nice crowd. When we went it was quiet which was very nice. The drinks and food were very reasonable for the location. My burger was nice! Beers were good. Bar staff are nice. Even the security man name Bruce was nice! What a lovely place for a casual night out! I couldn't be happier.

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.

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. 🍻

The drinks are great, the food is actually quite good, and the atmosphere is perfect. So why only four stars? The “serve yourself” model at these prices doesn’t work when you have a few obvious things one needs to enjoy their meal. I need salt, but it’s so wet from humidity it won’t come out. So, I myself go inside (where it’s dry) to get a dry shaker. I would like ketchup for my delicious, crispy, hot fries. Well, the food runner dropped the food off and turned away instantaneously without even a thought of whether we needed anything. My chicken Parmesan is delicious, but dry because there is no marinara sauce remaining after being baked. Excuse me, uh, let’s see, there’s the seating hostess, maybe she will help. Well, this is the way we serve it and costs 2.50 to have marinara sauce. Seriously? Ok, Australia has clearly embraced self serve, but how about a little customer handholding as a wise accompaniment? I still recommend Fortune of War - there’s no question that overall it’s great drinks, cold beers, good food and the perfect setting.