Glenn Piper has relaunched the Old Commodore Hotel, reimagining the McMahons Point landmark with a renewed spirit and design that celebrates its historic roots.
An institution of Blues Point Rd for 169 years, the new Old Commodore celebrates the legend of larger-than-life ferryman, smuggler, raconteur and entrepreneur William ‘Billy’ Blue, who was affectionately known as the ‘Old Commodore’.
Blue was an eccentric, egalitarian figure brought to NSW as a convict. He later established himself as a ferryman and trader, and Governor Macquarie granted him land at Blues Point, where he built Northampton Farm and ferried passengers across the harbour, accompanied by wit, charm, and the occasional contraband.
He further serves as inspiration due to his reputation for binding the worlds of the law and lawlessness, legal and illicit business, entertainer and community builder.
In 1854 his son John opened the original Old Commodore Inn in honour of his father’s legacy, on a site central to what is now the North Sydney CBD and the village charm of McMahons Point.
After acquiring the pub in 2023 from Good Beer Co, Epochal has spent the past two years navigating its legacy and path forward.
“Exploring the history of Billy Blue – the larger-than-life character who helped shape Sydney’s North Shore – has been a highlight of that journey,” offers Piper, Epochal Hotels CEO.
The sympathetic design focuses on a balance of classic with period style, deliberately colliding worlds, melding working-class textures of timber, steel and brick sit alongside refined touches of travertine, linen and brass. The maritime connection continues with nautical stripes, hand-painted signage, pressed metal ceilings and curiosities, while the landscaping is a nod to the gardens Blue planted.
A bright and earthy main bar will be central to the live music program, which the group feels is the soul of a great pub and is being put “front and centre” at the Old Commodore. A raised platform will host a curated lineup of local acts, small ensembles and emerging artists, for relaxed daytime sessions through to lively weekend performances.
The new dining room is an intimate space lined with portraits, press clippings and memorable artefacts, while the sports bar, aka the ‘Smuggler’s Club’, offers a moody, cellar-style space rocking a reclaimed brick bar and cheeky historic references.
And the sun-drenched and green-filled terrace and beer garden invite long afternoons, with capacity for pop-ups, DJs, and live acts.
The new look is by Paul Kelly Design, which has worked on the project through three owners and feels the long-awaited result is “one of our best” to date.
“The level of detail and attention this project has will be appreciated by all existing and new customers to the venue,” says Paul Kelly.
On the menus is a precinct-appropriate foodservice that is “approachable yet elevated”, ranging pub classics blended with modern favourites, while the bar team serves signature cocktails, Australian wines, craft beers and a considered selection of non-alcoholic options.
Established in 2019, Epochal has accumulated seven A-grade hospitality and accommodation properties on the east coast, most recently joined by the historic Tumbulgum Tavern.
Piper says they approach each venue as a dedicated journey, becoming immersed in each location’s history and place in the community.
“With this reopening we’ve poured our energy into ensuring that this continues for a new generation, while letting Billy Blue’s bold, welcoming, and full-of-character spirit shine through,” he explains.
