Whether you plan to swing by or accidentally stumble upon it, a visit to Kelly’s Irish Pub is always a good idea. You’ll probably hear it before you see it; a rumbling of laughter, live music and conversations between friends, old and new, echoing off Church Street.
Situated in the hub of Mudgee’s town, Kelly’s Irish Pub is known as the ‘heartbeat of Mudgee’. And when you lay your eyes on its green brick heritage walls – decorated with cheery fairy lights – you can begin to see why.
Mischief is this establishment's middle name. Every corner of the pub entices locals and guests to relax, have fun and connect. It’s easy to leave your worries at the front door. From swaying (perhaps a little too much) to live music on a Friday or Saturday night, gossiping with friends over cocktails on The Balcony Bar’s verandah, or enthusiastically cheering on your sports team, this is the place to let the good times roll. Here are five ways to enjoy Kelly’s Irish Pub.
They like to say that at Kelly’s, “the beers are colder, and the welcomes are warmer”. Who can resist what Kelly’s Irish Pub proclaims as the best and coldest beer in town? Especially when they’re served with a smile and if you’re lucky, a good old story. Expect a wide variety of Australian beers among Irish crown jewels – Guinness, Kilkenny and Kirin. While any day is a good day to stop by, on Thursday, you’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot. Between 6 and 9 pm, you can pick up eight-dollar pints and for those who prefer their drinks tall and colourful, ten-dollar classic cocktails.
If there’s anything better than a cold beer, it's a hearty plate of food to go with it. The hotel’s kitchen is open all day every day, serving quintessential pub classics with a splash of Irish-inspired gems sprinkled throughout (hello, beef and Guinness pot pie). Like many of Mudgee's establishments, Kelly’s Irish Pub is proud of the region’s fresh produce. Many of the menu’s ingredients are sourced from the pub’s farm, located just down the road in Riverlea.
Kelly’s is a place for everyone, from families to friends and those donning rugby jerseys. Its food menu is a testament to that, with a wide variety including budget-friendly express lunches from Monday to Friday and a collection of themed dining evenings. Kelly’s special nights are all part of the fun, drawing in locals and tourists alike for Monday’s $15 ‘Holy Schnit night’, Tuesday’s $16 curries, Wednesday’s $19 rumps and Friday’s saucy ribs.
Much like the pub’s personality, the brand is multifaceted, consisting of Kelly’s Irish Pub, The Mudgee Wine Shop and finally, The Balcony Bar. The latter brings tropical cheer and vibrance to Mudgee’s Church Street, serving colourful hand-crafted cocktails with some of the best views within the heart of town.
The Balcony Bar has plenty of space for dancing, drinks, events and private hosting. But the real drawcard is its old-world style balcony. Fringing the property, it offers sweeping views of Mudgee and the region’s surrounding hilltops.
With spring in full bloom and summer on the horizon, time your stop-in for sunset to watch the crimson colours of dusk light up the sky. If it’s between Thursday and Saturday, be prepared for your drinks to flow; a 6 to 9 pm happy hour sees classic cocktails at $10.
If you’re after a dance floor complete with a DJ or front-row seats to live music, you’ll find it at Kelly’s. Acoustic fans can take a perch downstairs on Friday evening to hear live soloists. Or on Saturday night, let your hair down at the dedicated rock music night featuring the region’s leading bands. Upstairs at The Balcony Bar, bring your best moves to the dance floor with live DJ’s every Friday and Saturday until late.
After exploring the Mudgee Region’s picturesque cellar doors, you may find yourself itching for more. The Mudgee Wine Shop – the largest independent bottle shop in the region – celebrates and showcases Mudgee’s local businesses, stocking an impressive selection of over 300 local wines, beers and spirits. You’ll find it around the corner from the pub’s entrance; an easy pitstop on the way back to your accommodation. If you’re yet to visit wineries, Kelly’s offers both half and full-day wine tours, including visits to three to six wineries and lunch or dinner at the pub.
For the ultimate experience at Kelly’s Irish Pub, stay overnight in one of the property's 16 modern rooms where prices are fair and welcomes are warm.
There’s no place like Kelly’s.
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