Pyrmont’s history is told through its architecture, and there are few finer examples of a heritage pub than the magnificent Dunkirk Hotel. Built in 1914, this iconic corner watering hole has retained much of its original Federation features, including classic bottle-green tiling on the outside and rustic ground floor bar.
Over the years, The Dunkirk has undergone various improvements, with major renovations three years ago seeing upgrades to the Main Bar, Terrace Bar, The Loft, and TAB Room, and introducing a new front lounge and two floors of boutique hotel accommodation.
The Main Bar, Terrace Bar and The Loft are all available for functions, each providing its own vibe and catering for varied numbers of guests.
“We’re pretty much full with functions, definitely every Friday and Saturday,” says Matt, general manager of the hotel. There are several reasons for this: the function spaces have a great ambience and are spacious; the hotel is within a stone’s throw of three light-rail stations (Wentworth Park, Fish Markets, The Star) and there’s secure parking nearby; and, best of all, Matt offers the rooms with no hire fee and no minimum spend.
“I’m happy to have people come to the venue. I can’t understand why anyone would charge a hire fee,” he says.
It seems lots of other people are happy to come to the venue, too; by the end of this week The Dunkirk will have held its 65th function this year.
The Terrace Bar is a cosy, relaxed space that can seat 70 guests or have 120 standing. It’s great for special gatherings and cocktail parties.
The Loft is a bit more upmarket and well-suited to corporate events, cocktail parties and special events. It can accommodate 40 sit-down guests and 70 standing.
The Main Bar is also a great place to get people together for whatever occasion.
The Dunkirk can provide catering, offering a variety of packages to help suit a range of events. They can also supply audio-visual equipment and decorations.
And for those who’d like to celebrate without the worry of how they’ll get home, or for people traveling from afar, there are 12 beautifully appointed guest accommodation rooms available in the boutique hotel above the bars.
Apart from functions, The Dunkirk has regular events almost every night of the week.
“We have open mic on Monday, karaoke on a Tuesday, trivia on a Wednesday, live music on a Thursday,” says Matt.
The menu offers classic pub fare including delicious share plates, burgers, chicken schnitzel, steaks, pasta, and a great selection of sides, all with a cheeky Dunkirk twist.
The main bar has sixteen beers and mixed drinks on tap. Draught pints and schooners are served at a perfect 1.4 degress, always.
Naturally, great wines and spirits are also served, plus there’s an onsite Bottlemart with a huge range of beers, wine, spirits, mixes, imported and local, available for online orger and delivery.
With its prominent position on the corner of Harris St and Pyrmont Bridge Rd, The Dunkirk is one of Pyrmont’s most recognised and loved pubs.
