The details
Since its establishment in the 19th century, The Lord Alfred (formerly known as Hotel LA) has built a rich history of generous hospitality at its prime location at the Petrie Terrace-end of Caxton Street. To commemorate The Lord Alfred’s 150-year anniversary, the new ownership group – spearheaded by managing director Lachlan Furnell – decided to significantly restore the premises, transforming it into a modern community hub that celebrated the storied pub’s historical importance. The modifications have resulted in a new-look venue that caters to families, casual diners, cocktail-craving partiers, curious tourists as post-game revellers alike, paying special attention to the private function crowd with an impressive, multi-faceted offering. The Lord Alfred can now be hired out in its entirety or in segments, with three levels, six bars and eight rooms offering something for everybody. 

The space
The Lord Alfred’s refurbishment has stripped back the years and foregrounded several of the building’s original features for the reimagined look. The pokies have been removed and the kitchen has undergone a major overhaul – tripling in size, installing new equipment and adding a galley window to facilitate kitchen theatre. The potential of the space has been unlocked, with eight new character-filled nooks perfectly suited to every vibe. Alfred’s Bar at the venue’s main entry offers plush furniture and a beautifully appointed central bar for cocktail soirees. Duke’s Bar and The Quarterdeck give patrons the option of a casual dining and drinking experience, with a coastal tropic vibe bolstered by ample seating options, live sport, bi-fold walls, and a great view over Caxton Street. Upstairs, The Verandah Bar offers a spacious vantage point over Petrie Terrace, while specialised boardroom Lord’s is equipped with everything you need for a private dining experience or meeting. At the venue’s rear, The Brasserie is a glass-encased terraced space that offers a great outdoor area for relaxed afternoon drinks. Downstairs is where you’ll find street-level bar Alfie’s and forthcoming addition The Watch-House, where the building’s original gaol cells have been restored and transformed into a unique private dining space, complete with tailored menus and drink offerings.

The food and drink
Head chef Jennifer Tucker is helming The Lord Alfred’s new kitchen, tasked with creating a malleable and versatile menu that is both accessible and interesting. Jennifer has structured the spread around casual grazing plates and bar snacks (available until late), small and medium dishes, and banquet-style feasts. Each dish has been designed to be mixed and matched and enjoyed anywhere in the venue. Taking inspirational cues from across the globe, Jennifer’s menu caters to vegans and those with dietary requirements, with hero dishes including house-smoked brisket with mustard onion puree, massaman Rangers Valley beef cheek, Hainanese half chicken, charred whole squid rings and Pedro Ximénez chocolate fondant. The Lord Alfred’s drink offering is equally as impressive, with six bars offering a stellar selection of beer, wine and spirits. Lachlan has raised the bar as far as the wine selection is concerned, with a newly installed wine fridge has been housing more than 900 bottles, and taps have been installed to pour a selection of drops from freshly tapped casks.

The Lord Alfred is now open. For opening hours and contact details, check out the Stumble Guide.