The Lady Daly
Address
126 Port Road, Hindmarsh 5007
@ladydalyhotel
Website
theladydaly.com.au
With retro and quirky charm, the Lady Daly Hotel stands out from the crowd with a kitsch fit-out, old-school hospitality, and some special regulars.
These regulars are of the four-legged variety, as the Lady Daly is where doggos are as famously welcome as their owners. “We are dog friendly and proud,” says publican Mandy Collins of the pooches who visit and are the stars of Lady Daly’s Instagram page (complete with profiles to accompany the cute photos).
In her eight years as custodian of the 155-year-old heritage pub, Mandy has turned the Lady Daly into a space (complete with one of the best beer gardens and open fireplaces in the inner-west) that is open for all with its traditional pub grub, craft brews, friendly vibe, and myriad community events such as chess classes on the first Saturday of every month.
“We just try to be different,” Mandy says. “We’re very much about old school hospitality where we have fun on both sides of the bar.”
Then there’s the music. Just a stone’s throw from the Governor Hindmarsh and Entertainment Centre, the Lady Daly (which is proudly pokie-free) is an essential part of the inner west’s bustling live music precinct with its focus on local musicians for its live music offerings while the artworks that feature on the walls are also by those who live close by.
The Lady Daly is where those in the know heading to neighbouring venues to catch their favourite touring acts park for pre-and post-gig drinks, and a bite to eat.
And why wouldn’t you? Mandy ensures that local breweries and family-run wineries are on tap or by the glass while the food is what you want from a music-friendly pub: steak, schnitzels, and burgers (tip: try the Nashville hot chicken burger) with great vegan options, too (including chana masala and eggplant schnitzel).
You can also head to Lady Daly for High Tea every Wednesday to Sunday from 2pm where you can enjoy unlimited sparkling wine and tea and coffee to accompany your finger sandwiches and sweets (bookings are essential).
Lady Daly also does a lot of good community work. It provides CUDL (Community Union Defence League) with a professional kitchen and storage so they can continue doing their work while the pub accepts pre-loved clothes to donate to William’s Wardrobe for those in need.
Next time you’re in Hindmarsh, bring your four-legged friend to the Lady Daly and remember what a pub used to be like.
Contact
Lady Daly Hotel
126 Port Road, Hindmarsh
Wednesday to Sunday
Lady Daly Hotel
126 Port Road, Hindmarsh
Wednesday to Sunday
