By Clyde Mooney – editor Australian Hotelier
The Australian Hotels Association NSW last night led the celebration of the 170th birthday of Australia’s oldest continually operating pub – the Hero of Waterloo.
In an invitation-only gathering of politicians, police, industry figures and honoured guests of the legendary establishment, the 1843 hotel once again embodied the spirit of Australian hospitality.
As well as live music and performers dressed in arrow-dotted convict garb and imposing Red Coats barking orders, those present were privy to accolades from the likes of AHA NSW CEO Paul Nicolaou, as well as NSW Fair Trading Minister the Hon. Anthony Roberts MP, and long-standing owner of the hotel, Kazuko Nelson (pictured).
“The Hero of Waterloo sums up all that is good about our member hotels,” Nicolaou pronounced to TheShout.
“It is a great ‘local’ and has been part of its community for an amazing 170 years.
“The crowd there last night indicates the high regard in which the hotel – and its owner Kazuko Nelson – is held by the local community. We wish the Hero of Waterloo all the best for its 170th birthday.”
The event was sponsored by the period-appropriate James Squire range of artisan beers, with a contingent of brewers from Malt Shovel present and some historic context provided by craft beer legend Chuck Hahn.