Ideally located in the heart of Bankstown, it’s much more than a place to grab a drink which may explain its longevity when most other historic watering holes have closed their doors.
A patron for over 50 years, Lyn Mercer was just 20 when she set foot inside Bankstown Hotel.
She was only allowed to drink in the Ladies Lounge and fondly remembers when liquor licensing laws relaxed and women had full access to all areas.
“We were so happy because up until then, the men would get you a drink and then go off and play pool and you’d have to wait for hours till they came back,” she said with a laugh.
Lyn’s visited other pubs but always comes back to Bankstown Hotel because like the song goes, ‘everyone knows your name’.
“It’s like having a second family,” she said.
“I’ve got so many good friends here that I’ve known for years.
“It’s not rough either, no fights, just heaps of nice people, a good eating area and always plenty going on.”
Debra Atchison, who’s been a patron for over 20 years, agrees.
“I look forward all week to my Friday night for a schooner and the meat raffles and I’m there most of Saturday too for the races,” she said.
“It’s definitely my home away from home and I like that there’s no dickheads here.
“They screen all the main sporting events and there’s plenty of live music to enjoy.
“I’ve seen plenty of business people at lunchtime during the week but most of the patrons are the old locals, full of stories and great company; it’s the best pub I’ve been to.”
Bankstown Hotel Manager Joshua Pearce, who’s been in hotels for 17 or 18 years, took over the reins at Bankstown a couple of years ago.
“It’s a very welcoming place, everyone’s mates here which is rare; it really is just like a big, happy family,” he said.
Pub celebrates century of serving public
BUILT at a time when we were starting to prosper after WWI, Bankstown Hotel was a modern drawcard to the thriving district and this month celebrates a century of mateship on tap.