Sydney’s iconic Lansdowne Hotel returns, reviving its dedication to entertainment alongside a ‘fiesta of flavours’ by Melbourne outfit the Happy Mexican.
Located on the corner of arterial drags Broadway and City Road, the Lansdowne has long been known as an institution of live music and pub rock, hosting thousands of bands over the years. But after 82 years it closed in late 2015 – another victim of Sydney’s infamous lockout laws.
It reopened in 2017 under the team behind Newtown’s Mary’s Burgers, and a revised business model.
Happy Mexican has developed a following in Melbourne for its dedication to authentic flavours from Mexico. Head chef Jesus Rios hails from Mexico City and brings over two decades of culinary mastery from his homeland.
The menu boasts a vast selection of tacos, ranging the flavours of juicy roasted chicken breast, zesty marinated pork, or crispy beer-battered fish. The signature blockbuster taco is a slow-cooked beef birria.
There are options for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, pescatarians, and meat lovers alike, including the popular Quesabirrias – corn tortillas stuffed with rich, slow-cooked beef in Jalisco Birria style and Oaxaca cheese, served with a side of savory broth – and share plates, such as Chilaquiles.
“Stepping into The Lansdowne now, you’re in for a whirlwind of authentic Mexican culture and cuisine, a vibrant transformation from its rock ‘n’ roll legacy,” The Happy Mexican founder, Julian Romero, told PubTIC.
The drinks menu is similarly flavoursome, featuring creamy Piña Coladas, zesty Palomas, fresh Mezcalitos, and an array of spicy, classic or lychee Margaritas, as well as a selection of draught beers.
To kick off the new venture, from (Wednesday) 10 April the team is throwing out free 500 tacos, to “make taste buds dance”, paired with a shot of tequila, to “keep the spirits soaring”.
And throughout April there will be $2 tacos from 5-6pm every evening, and delights such as Calabacitas and Nopales.
The legendary Lansdowne retains its historic charm, cloaked in dark, rock ‘n roll interiors and pumping live music throughout the week, but now with “a subtle Mexican flair”. On the upper levels there are spaces for private functions, catering to large and small events, for up to 500 guests.
On Friday and Saturday nights the rooftop is also open, for food and beverages.
Located close to Chinatown, the old pub is surrounded by thriving hotels, seen in Solotel’s Marlborough, the Laundy’s Off Broadway, and Bill Young’s Bar Broadway.
It was put to market mid-2023, marketing literature noting significant opportunity in repositioning with a new food and beverage proposition that better resonates with the surrounding demographic.
Looking to its next iteration and appeal, Romero explains they are going beyond the regular pub offerings, injecting life into the historic venue “with a fiesta of flavours and fun” for its next generation of patrons.
“We’re here to prove that The Lansdowne, with its rich music history, can also be a place for food innovation.”
