Huge change for popular Sydney sports pub
One of Paddington’s most well-known pubs has embarked on a new chapter.
The historic Captain Cook Hotel in Paddington has reopened following a renovation that included removing its former pokies room and replacing it with an Italian-inspired eatery.
The heritage-led regeneration by hospitality group Bird & Bear, known for operating venues such as The Village Inn and The Navy Bear in Rushcutters Bay, took custodianship of the venue in December 2025.
Operating as a hotel since 1882, the current building was designed by prominent architect John Burcham Clamp and was rebuilt in 1914 following a fire that destroyed the original structure.
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Today, February 11, Captain Cook Paddington reopens
Pubs and pokies baron Bruce Mathieson bought Paddington’s Captain Cook Hotel for more than $13m in 2022. The venue has been popular watering hole for punters and previously sold for $6.6m in July 2024.
The venue has now returned to its roots as a neighbourhood pub anchored in sport, food and local community.
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The former Captain Cook Hotel previously sold in July 2024 for $6.6m
How the interior looked before the transformation.
The venue has retained original features like its round bar. Its former pokies room has been reborn as Joe’s Kitchen, a light-filled Italian-inspired eatery.
A laneway, known as Josephson Lane, has also been transformed into a leafy, dog-friendly, European-style beer garden.
Joe’s Kitchen is led by Bird & Bear’s Head of Culinary Eric Tan and Head Chef Gil Dela Cueva working alongside Rome-born pizza specialist Alessandro Sistopaoli.
The plan is to serve Roman-style pizza, known as “pinsa” known for its airy, crisp crust and soft centre.
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Inside the new venue with Joe’s Kitchen
The new Italian-inspired eatery and Italian-leaning pub classics await
Inside, the Sports Bar offers a pre-or-post game drop in, steps from the SCG and Allianz Stadium.
The hotel will serve a mix of wines and Australian beer favourites.
