It’s a big week for re-launches. Just as Freda’s opens up its third iteration – Bar Freda’s – in an intimate two-story space in Chippo, one of the most beloved pubs in the Inner City has reopened with a fresh new ’do. Straddling the border of Redfern and Surry Hills, The Norfolk is back in a big way – this time, with neighbourhood values (and a killer ice-cream lamington) at its heart. This is all thanks to the new ownership by Sydney group Solotel, who have taken over the watering hole from Public Hospitality, following a challenging few years (to say the least).
Back in 2013, Time Out Sydney described The Norfolk as “a party pub… good at walking the fine line between scheduled activities and unstructured revelry.” And in its latest form, it’s still flying that flag: with an excellent happy hour (4-6pm Mondays through Fridays), Tuesday night trivia, ‘spin the wheel’ every Thursday, a hefty meat raffle every Friday and a fun, welcoming vibe that will keep you long into the night. But this time, things have stepped up a notch – with an on-point cocktail menu (order the pickle Martini) and schmick, warmly lit interiors that honour the pub’s Art Deco roots with a refined sense of style.
“The Norfolk has always stood for good times, great food and that sense of belonging you only get from your local,” says Marcella Guilfoyle, the pub’s general manager.
A neighbourhood drinking hole at its heart, the new iteration of The Norfolk hasn’t cut any corners when it comes to the booze list. With a focus on local, the wine list is ever-evolving and nicely priced, and alongside the local beers (including a Norfolk-exclusive dark beer from Yulli’s Brews) you’ll find a carefully curated cocktail list featuring aperitivo-inspired drinks and some delicious, creative non-alc options. Honouring their “party pub” values, The Norfolk is also serving up batch-made cocktails (including Negronis, Americanos and a perfectly zesty Tommy's Margarita) on tap, available to order by the glass or by the carafe.
Reflecting the neighbourhood-focused ethos, the menu has been designed in collaboration with local businesses, and it’s bloody good as a result. With Toby Wilson (executive chef and ‘Chief Taco Officer’ at the adjoining Ricos Tacos) at the helm, the kitchen elevates old-school pub classics, and draws on the expertise of local stalwarts to bring you the best of what Redfern has to offer. French onion dip comes with freshly baked focaccia from Good Ways Deli, and the beloved Redfern sandwich shop has also teamed up with local gelateria Ciccone and Sons for The Norfolk’s signature dessert: a perfectly fluffy lamington ice-cream sandwich. Other menu highlights include the gloriously loaded chicken and gravy rolls, hearty-as-heck beef and VB party pies, and a signature house-made sausage roll that’s sold by the inch ($2 per inch at happy hour).
Through and through, The Norfolk is a celebration of its setting – an ode to the people and businesses that build the culture of Sydney’s quirky, colourful Inner City suburbs. And don’t worry, Rico’s Tacos isn’t going anywhere.
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