Welcome to the friendliest spot in Newtown.

the heart of King St.

Embrace the spirit of Newtown, where all are welcome and good times should never end.

Gather, eat, drink and soak up the vibe.

We’ve got multiple bars, rooftop courtyard, dedicated live music spaces, arcade games, pool tables and loads of weekly events.

Now, let's journey back to 1859, where the story of Kelly's begins. The spot where Kelly's now proudly stands was once home to The Cottage of Content Hotel, a cozy spot where folks gathered for good times. Later, with a name change to The Cricketers Arm's Hotel in 1875 , it served up cheer for over a century until Tooth and Co. bid farewell to pubs in the late 1970s. Enter McDonald's in 1982, eager to join the party but departing by the mid-'90s, not quite fitting into the neighborhood.

But fear not! Kelly's On King Hotel burst onto the scene on September 16, 1999, when the current operators thought to bring the building back to life. The liquor license from The Royal Edward Hotel on Wilson Street, Newtown was transferred over, and when Kelly's swung open its doors in '99, it brought a slice of Ireland Down Under, with furniture and authentic goodies shipped straight from the Emerald Isle.

Yet, as life would have it, a fiery mishap and a couple of decades of revelry took their toll, leaving the place a bit worse for wear. But hey, a little facelift in 2020 brought back the sparkle, ensuring Kelly's remains the place to be for good craic and great times!

1859

Once upon a time, in the vibrant tapestry of Sydney's landscape, the area we now affectionately call Newtown played host to the ancient Cadigal tribe of the Eora people. Picture it: from the shimmering shores of Sydney Harbour to the tranquil waters of Botany Bay, and all the way to the leafy lanes of Petersham, this land was alive with the footsteps of its original custodians.

Fast forward to the bustling present-day hub of Newtown, where King Street reigns supreme as the heart and soul of the neighbourhood. This lively thoroughfare traces its roots back to an Aboriginal track, a winding path that once branched off from the main western route. Beneath the bustling streets of Broadway and Parramatta Road lies the ancient path, a trail that meandered through the landscape, connecting communities and cultures alike. And where did it lead? Straight to the breathtaking coastal plains of Botany Bay, where the sea kisses the shore and whispers tales of old.

So, as we stroll along the lively streets of Newtown today, let's pause for a moment to honor the legacy of those who came before us. Let's tread lightly, with reverence and respect, knowing that we walk in the footsteps of giants, guided by the echoes of ancient paths and the spirits of the land. Let us take a moment to tip our hats and acknowledge the traditional Aboriginal custodians of this sacred land. With reverence and respect, we honor their rich tapestry of culture and history, woven intricately into the very fabric of this place we call home. Their stories, whispered by the wind and etched into the earth, remind us of the enduring connection between land and spirit.