Sarah Sands Hotel: Iconic pub perfect place for summer

There’s something special about an old venue re-emerging as a new one – full of old memories to reminisce on, but with a fresh feel that’s ready to make plenty of new ones. The Sarah Sands Hotel has re-opened in Brunswick following a major facelift to bring her back to life. 

When I first learned the name of the pub, I thought: ‘Wow, that’s awesome the pub is named after a woman, instead of another dead old white guy.’ Unfortunately, the pub’s namesake is not a woman, but a ship. The Sarah Sands Hotel was first established in 1854 and was actually named after the steam ship Sarah Sands, which was named after the wife of the Mayor of Liverpool in the mid-1850s.  So, I guess it is KIND OF named after a woman? Since then, it’s had plenty of owners and plenty of names – anyone remember it as Bridie O’Reily’s? (I do!)

After several years of renovations, the Sarah Sands has returned to her original name, standing proudly at the south end of Sydney Road in Brunswick. 

From the outside, she looks like a classic 19th century Melbourne pub. Inside, the vibe is fresh, modern and light, showing off original brickwork, boasting plenty of greenery and an epic mural on the second floor. There are multiple dining rooms and event spaces, and room for a DJ and dance floor on level two. 

The menu at the Sarah Sands is a great mix of classic pub fare and modern Australian cuisine, using native Australian ingredients like native mountain pepper and Davidson plum. The snacking dishes are a real stand-out on the menu and are perfect for sharing. Highlights include the Keens Buttermilk Fried Chicken with native mountain pepper and tamarind yoghurt, the crispy halloumi with honey, fig, pepperberry and mint, and the herb and garlic flatbreads with carrot hummus, charred eggplant and hung yoghurt. 

The native theme carries over to the cocktail menu, which includes a Wattleseed Espresso Martini, Davidson Plum Sour and a Fingerlime and Saltbush Margarita. The bar also boasts a wide range of classic and craft beers, including local beers from Co-Conspirators and Molly Rose Brewing Co. 

All of your pub favourites are on the menu for mains – fish and chips, steak and ale pie, chicken schnitzel, steak, burgers, wood fired pizzas and, of course, the holy grail that is a classic parma! There are some good vegetarian and lighter options including an eggplant parma, beetroot salad and a cous cous and pumpkin salad, too.

For dessert you can go for an old-school banana split – complete with a cute umbrella and a literal cherry on top, or the three milks flan with caramelised everything – custard, white chocolate and condensed milk! 

Whether you’ve been to the Sarah Sands in one of its past lives, or have never stepped inside, this new venue offers the perfect mix of a classic pub and all the best bits from a contemporary inner Melbourne bar and is well worth a visit.

Sarah Sands Hotel
29 Sydney Road, Brunswick, 3056
Open 7 days, Monday to Thursday, 12pm–11pm, Friday and Saturday, 12pm to late, Sunday, 12pm–11pm
sarahsandshotel.com.au