Ashlee Jayde
Jun 2026
★★★★★
I visited The Erko Hotel in May 2026 with some friends for another friend’s going away party on a Saturday evening, and it ended up being such a fun spot to spend the night. The hotel has loads of character from the moment you arrive, with a beautiful old style exterior that stands out on the corner and gives off plenty of classic pub charm. We managed to find parking right next to the venue, and there seemed to be more available around the surrounding streets as well. It’s also conveniently located between two train stations, making it really easy to reach by public transport. Out the front there are a few tables for outdoor dining along with security at the entrance. Once inside, the venue opens into a large bar and dining area with plenty of seating spread throughout. There were TVs everywhere showing different sports, a central bar stocked with lots of drink options, and toilets located off the main area. They even have a bottle shop attached, which had some surprisingly affordable wine worth checking out.
Heading through the venue towards the back, there were board games available, a pool table, and then access to what was probably my favourite part of the hotel, the courtyard. The outdoor space has plenty of tables and chairs, a TV, and a really relaxed atmosphere. I asked if they could switch one of the screens over to the AFL, and the staff were more than happy to do it for me. Every staff member I interacted with throughout the night was genuinely lovely, and even the security team were friendly and welcoming. I grabbed a few vodka raspberry drinks over the evening and shared some chips with friends, which were absolutely delicious. While I didn’t try a full meal this visit, the food coming out to other tables looked fantastic and definitely gave me a few ideas for next time.
As the night went on, the venue became busier, especially once the courtyard closed and people moved back inside. Despite that, it never felt cramped and there was always somewhere to sit and chat. The atmosphere was fun without being overwhelming, making it a great place to catch up with friends, watch sport, or kick off a night out around Sydney. One thing I really appreciated was how welcoming and inclusive the venue felt. There was a strong community vibe throughout the night, and it felt like the kind of local pub that genuinely cares about creating a space where everyone feels comfortable.
The Erko Hotel wrapped things up shortly after midnight, with the outdoor area closing a little earlier. If you’re looking to continue your night afterwards, there are plenty of other venues nearby, but as a starting point for an evening out, this place is fantastic. Great staff, a beautiful courtyard, good drinks, and a genuinely friendly atmosphere make it a spot I’d happily visit again. Next time I’ll definitely be back to try more of the menu.