Hampton Court Hotel reborn as Penny’s Hotel, Kings Cross
The former Hampton Court Hotel in Kings Cross has quite the colourful history. One of the first high-rise apartments in Sydney that was later converted into a hotel (and once a popular nightclub and live music venue), it has now relaunched as the chic and welcoming Penny’s Hotel.
Located on the corner of Bayswater Rd and Pennys Lane, the iconic hotel has been reborn following an extensive renovation by Watering Hole Hotels hospitality group. Floor-to-ceiling windows, handmade pink and green Spanish tiles, Fibonacci stone bar tables and plush velvet seating have brought a chic and welcoming new vibe to the once dimly-lit space
Penny’s Hotel has introduced a new type of pub experience to Potts Point locals with several distinct, cosy spaces inside. Pull up a seat on one of the leather-covered stools and watch the world go by from one of the new bay windows, gather for a gossip and cocktails in one of the booths, settle in for a long lunch or dinner in the delightful dining area, or watch your favourite team from the dedicated sports room.
The revamp also sees ex-Merivale chef, Adam Finlay, heading up the kitchen and offering classic pub fare and other more inventive dishes. The elevated yet affordable menu has something for everyone. Some of the starter highlights include Pennys Potato Scallops which are cooked to perfection, Falafel Bites, Salt & Pepper Squid, Duck Spring Rolls, Kyoto chicken skewers and the ridiculously delicious Cajun Prawn Tacos with cajun spiced grilled prawns, lettuce, avocado and chipotle mayo.
For the mains, there’s classic pub fare like chicken schnitzel, burgers, pizzas and a special steak menu, as well as a deliciously fresh Chana split chickpea dal, pan-roasted salmon with white sweet potato, housemade miso butter, charred corn, shallots, corn and ponzu, and a beef and guinness pie. But our top pick is the classic Fish & Chips – a barramundi which you can have grilled or fried – and comes with salad, tartare and lemon. You simply can’t go wrong with this crowd-pleaser!
You can wash down all this delicious food with a plethora of cocktail options – more than 25 – including a bunch of Martini’s, Margarita, Pina Colada, Bloody Mary and the outstanding Raspberry Rascal with Amaretto, Chambord, lemon juice, egg white, sugar syrup and raspberry puree which combine beautifully to make the ultimate cocktail. There’s also an extensive selection of Australian and international wines starting at a very affordable $9 a glass plus an enomatic wine server and preserver that offers guests the chance to try premium drops, while preserving the wine’s integrity.
Penny’s Hotel has also launched nightly food and cocktail specials, a Monday to Friday happy hour and a tasty $30 Sunday roast offering. And if you’re in the area on a Friday or Saturday night, you can enjoy more of a party atmosphere to end your night on a high.
The newly revamped Penny’s Hotel is the perfect spot for locals and visitors to enjoy some tasty pub fare without breaking the bank. With its delicious food and drink options, friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere, it should be your new go-to in Kings Cross.
Penny’s Hotel
9-15 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point
Open Mon-Sat (10am to 3am), Sun (10am to midnight)
Website: www.pennyshotel.com.au