The Norfolk Hotel is coming back, bringing a whole new meaning to neighbourhood vibes. Set to reopen on 23 April with an ‘Everyone’s Welcome Party’, Redfern’s favourite corner pub is getting back to its pub roots with a fresh new look and promises to once again become the heartbeat of Redfern, offering locals a space for great drinks, delicious food, and neighbourly banter.
Leading the charge is Marcella Guilfoyle (GM), Toby Wilson (Executive Chef) and they’re bringing local providores on the journey with them. The daily-baked focaccia for The Norfolk’s French onion dip will be care of Good Ways Deli; while the gelati boys from Ciccone & Sons will be teaming up with Good Ways to deliver the Good Ways Deli X Ciccone & Sons, Lamington Ice Cream Sandwich.
Other Norfolk menu highlights that will be spearheaded by Toby (also Head Chef at Ricos Tacos) will include a signature house made Pork & Fennel Sausage Roll that will be sold by the inch; beef and VB party pies; a good old Aussie Rissole Burger with beetroot, cheddar, lettuce, caramelised onion and Chips; plus a Roast Chicken and sage roll with a side of dipping gravy.
Sandwich lovers will flock to the crumbed fish sanga with cabbage, green chilli & preserved lemon mayo with a side of chips or if feeling peckish they can opt for the Pastrami-cured Ocean Trout with a side of rye toast, pickled fennel, capers, lemon and creme fraiche.
Drinks at The Norfolk will be all about supporting local, with a thoughtful, ever-evolving wine list that spans cult favourites and old classics — all available by the glass, making it easy to sip and explore. The bar will also lean into aperitivo-inspired cocktails, featuring vermouths and amari, with tap cocktails served by the carafe.
“The Norfolk has always stood for good times, great food and that sense of belonging you only get from your local,” says Marcella. “We’re proud to be bringing The Norfolk back to life – celebrating Redfern, embracing our neighbours and collaborating with some of the neighbourhoods greatest success stories, and creating a space where everyone’s welcome.
“Toby will be bringing a tonne of personality to the menu – we know his beef and VB party pies will walk out the door. It’s all about showcasing familiar pub classics that are house made with local ingredients, matched with a thoughtful wine list and a classic mix of local beers and aperitivo influenced cocktails. We’ll have tables outside for al fresco drinks which is perfect for now, and come winter it will be all about the warm interiors and comfort food.”
Yulli’s Brews, local legends in their own right, will be joining the lineup and collaborating with the team on a Norfolk-exclusive dark lager brew that promises to “capture the spirit of Redfern in a schooner”.
The Norfolk is currently putting the finishing touches on a complete redesign, with a focus on honouring the building’s Art Deco facade with pale greens, warm reds, and soft creams – blending The Norfolk’s original charm with contemporary influences. The team have preserved the warm timber finishes and brick walls, but taken it up a notch with custom designed carpet that nods to the building’s history.
Since acquiring four of the Public Hospitality venues in 2024 (The Norfolk, Oxford House, The Strand and Camelia Grove), The Norfolk Hotel is the first venue Solotel has taken its brush to, undertaking a significant refurbishment of the venue and working hard with community to restore its iconic status and to create a corner pub where locals, great food and drink, and genuine hospitality come together under one roof.
The Norfolk’s Welcome Back Party – The Details
Wednesday 23 April, Door Open at 6pm
To celebrate, The Norfolk will be offering 50% off drinks all night along with free taste testers of the new menu. There will be live music, giveaways plus a very special announcement.
