BY KATYAA WILLS
If you’ve lived around Newstead long enough, you’ve probably watched that corner venue on the edge of Gasworks cycle through more identities than a 2000s pop star. The Defiant Duck, Maggie May…honestly, at this point it deserves its own memoir. But its newest incarnation? Gas Hound Bar & Kitchen actually feels like it’s sticking, and more importantly, it finally feels right for the peninsula.
Because let’s be real: aside from the trusty old Brunswick, the area has been crying out for a proper go-to pub. A place for knock-off beers, casual burgers, and somewhere you can yell at the footy without being judged by someone in activewear holding a green juice. And now, finally, it’s here.
This refreshed venue has officially taken on its new lease of life and it’s leaning hard into its identity as a sports bar. We’re talking pool tables, darts, and screens big enough to catch every NRL tackle, AFL hanger, F1 overtake, UFC knockout, and whatever else your sporting heart desires. Tuesday night trivia is also locked in, hosted by the beloved Harry’s Trivia crew, because what’s a pub without a little midweek chaos and questionable team names.
Food-wise, it’s modern Australian bistro vibes with a serious glow-up. The kitchen’s centrepiece is a wood-fired oven, and about half the menu hits those flames, including the steak, which means smoky, charry, “oooh fancy pub grub” energy all round. Premium ingredients, generous portions, and honestly some of the nicest-looking pub plates we’ve seen in a while. Pair that with cocktails, premium spirits, and a beer-and-wine tap list long enough to keep you hydrated through an entire State of Origin series and you’re sorted.
The renovation deserves its own applause. Space Cubed Design Studio, the same creative brains behind Donna Chang, Boom Boom Room, Southside and Soak Bathhouse, have worked their magic again. The whole venue feels open, breezy and genuinely inviting. There’s plenty of fresh air, plenty of space to watch the screens, and plenty of opportunity to people-watch if that’s your preferred sport (no judgement, we’re right there with you).
For the sports-lovers, this is absolutely your new home turf. For the lovers of sports-lovers…well, let’s just say you’ll find no shortage of jersey-wearing cuties to admire over your pint. Wink.
The openness of the space also makes it a killer spot for functions. Birthdays, work drinks, engagement parties, or any excuse to gather your mates and pretend you’re more organised than you actually are. There’s even room for live music, and if the swanky guitar duo from opening night becomes a weekly fixture, we’ll be parking ourselves there on the regular.
All in all, it’s a crowd-pleaser with character, charm and enough comfort to settle in for a few hours while you catch the latest game. Definitely worth checking out, and we’re already planning our return visit to work our way through more of that menu.
Gas Hound Bar & Kitchen, 84 Longland Street, Newstead. (07) 3166 2479
