The Old Commodore Hotel has reopened its doors in McMahons Point, reclaiming its spot as one of the area’s most iconic watering holes. The relaunch is a revival of the spirit that made the Commodore a cornerstone of community life, inspired by one of Sydney’s most colourful early characters, William “Billy” Blue.
Set between North Sydney’s business district and the neighbourhood charm of McMahons Point, the Commodore has long been a local mainstay. Its transformation by Epochal Hotels pays tribute to its storied past while creating a space for a new generation to gather, unwind, and swap stories over a pint or two.
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Billy Blue’s story reads like something from colonial folklore: a convict turned ferryman and entrepreneur who made his mark on early Sydney with charisma, wit, and a dash of mischief. Granted land at Blues Point by Governor Macquarie, Billy became a familiar face across the harbour, running his ferry business and occasionally dabbling in less-than-official cargo. Known affectionately as “The Old Commodore”, he embodied the egalitarian spirit Sydney still prides itself on today. His son, John, opened the first Old Commodore Inn in 1854 to honour his father’s love of people, place, and a good yarn, a legacy that continues to echo through the venue’s rebirth.
Inside, the new Commodore brings that legacy to life. Timber, brick, and steel nod to its working-class roots, while touches of brass, linen, and travertine lift the atmosphere with quiet sophistication. Nautical stripes, hand-painted signs, and maritime curios hint at Billy Blue’s seafaring past, and lush landscaping recalls the gardens he once tended at Blues Point.
The Main Bar is the hub for live acts, while the Dining Room doubles as an intimate hideaway lined with portraits, press clippings, and keepsakes from Billy’s world. Out on the terrace and beer garden, the atmosphere shifts to laid-back and sun-soaked, with room for DJs and pop-ups. Even the Sports Bar, cheekily dubbed the “Smuggler’s Club”, blends old-world charm with a contemporary edge.
Guests can enjoy pub staples like chicken parmi, fish and chips, and hearty steak cuts as well as bug sliders, crab croquettes, and wood-fired pizzas. For dessert, indulge in a caramelised banana with coconut gelato or cinnamon-sugar plantain crisps. Drinks range from the bay leaf and peach-infused Commodore Spritz to a salted-rim margarita twist, alongside craft beers, local wines, and low-alcohol options.
The reopening of The Old Commodore Hotel adds another jewel to the Epochal Hotels collection, which includes popular landmarks like Harbord Hotel, The Beach Hotel in Merewether, The Scarborough, and The Tumbulgum Tavern.
What: The Old Commodore Hotel
Where: 206 Blues Point Rd, McMahons Point