About Friend In Hand Hotel
Friend In Hand Hotel is a hotel and pub located at 58 Cowper St, Glebe NSW 2037. Glebe's most eccentric and iconic local pub. The venue has 15 approved gaming machines (pokies). It is rated 4.5 out of 5 from 620 Google reviews. A food and drinks menu is listed below. Phone: (02) 9171 5708.
Glebe's most eccentric and iconic local pub
Located in the backstreets of Glebe, the Friend In Hand Hotel is a legendary Sydney institution known for its quirky memorabilia-filled decor, friendly service, and vibrant community atmosphere. It offers a classic pub experience with an eclectic twist that has made it a favorite for locals and visitors alike since the late 19th century.
What Friend In Hand Hotel offers
Bar
15 Gaming machines
Establishment
Events
Open now
Friend In Hand Hotel location and map
Opening times
Frequently asked questions about Friend In Hand Hotel
Where is Friend In Hand Hotel located?
Friend In Hand Hotel is located at 58 Cowper St, Glebe NSW 2037. It is a hotel and pub in the suburb of Glebe, New South Wales.
What are the opening hours of Friend In Hand Hotel?
Friend In Hand Hotel opening hours: Monday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Wednesday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Thursday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Friday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM; Saturday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM; Sunday: 12:00 to 10:00 PM. Hours can change on public holidays, so check with the venue before visiting.
Does Friend In Hand Hotel have pokies?
Yes. Friend In Hand Hotel has 15 gaming machines (pokies) approved under its NSW hotel licence, ranking number 870 among NSW hotels by gaming machine numbers.
Does Friend In Hand Hotel serve food?
Yes. Friend In Hand Hotel serves food and its menu with prices is listed on this page. Kitchen hours may differ from the venue opening hours.
Does Friend In Hand Hotel have a bar?
Yes. Friend In Hand Hotel holds a NSW liquor hotel licence and serves alcoholic drinks at the bar.
What is the phone number for Friend In Hand Hotel?
You can phone Friend In Hand Hotel on (02) 9171 5708.
How is Friend In Hand Hotel rated?
Friend In Hand Hotel is rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 620 Google reviews.
Which venues are near Friend In Hand Hotel?
Licensed venues close to Friend In Hand Hotel include Ancient Briton Hotel, Off Broadway Hotel, The Glebe Hotel, Glasgow Arms Hotel. See the nearby venues list on this page for distances and details.
Hotel Services & Facilities
Dining & Bars
The Bistro
Offers a menu of classic Australian pub favorites including chicken schnitzels, burgers, steaks, and seafood, with daily specials available.
Main Bar
A traditional public bar featuring an extensive selection of local and craft beers on tap, spirits, and wines in a room filled with historical curiosities.
Entertainment & Leisure
Crab Racing
The hotel's famous weekly event held every Tuesday night where patrons can participate in hermit crab races.
Poetry Night
A long-standing monthly tradition hosting local poets and spoken word artists in an inclusive environment.
Trivia Night
Regular weekly trivia sessions held on Thursday nights featuring prizes and interactive rounds.
Live Music
Regular weekend performances featuring local acoustic acts and bands.
Family Features
Kids Menu
A selection of child-friendly meals available during bistro lunch and dinner service hours.
Dog Friendly
The hotel is well-known for being dog-friendly, allowing well-behaved pets in the bar areas.
Functions & Events
Upstairs Function Space
A private area available for birthday parties, corporate events, and social gatherings with catering packages available.
Amenities & Services
TAB Facilities
On-site wagering facilities for sports and racing enthusiasts.
Street Parking
Limited unmetered and timed street parking available in the surrounding Glebe residential streets.
Accessibility
Ground floor access is available to the main bar and bistro areas.
Our Food & Drinks Menu
* Please note that all images are for illustration purposes only and actual serving will vastly differ.
Friend In Hand Hotel reviews
1 Star Review by Vaclav Wichta
Food had gone downhill. Had not been at the Friend in Hand for a couple of years and was incredibly disappointed with the latest experience. Always loved the vibe, was reasonably priced for drinks and meals. Ordered a veal Parma, was given a schnitzel which they fixed up. When the Parma arrived, I was disappointed to find they now use processed burger cheese and tomato sauce (no ham). Tasted absolutely disgusting, and when I questioned the use of the cheese I was told that's what they now use. Worst Parma I've had, won't be eating here again.
5 Star Review by Phil Lindsay
Everybody should visit this pub . It is so much fun. A live duo playing Irish jigs on violin had everybody dancing. A 50th birthday upstairs was fun and games.
5 Star Review by Geoff Cutler
Retro pub really good for meeting friends. Has lots of character. Has some really hearty and great tasting and well priced meals. All meals basically range from $15 to $20 and are large, fresh and made to order. Burgers, schnitzels, lasagna, meatballs, amazing shoe string fries, etc. Weeknight specials as well. Georgie the cockatoo who lives in the pub is a real hoot. Well worth visiting this Glebe gem.
2 Star Review by K W
They have lost the quirkiness and atmosphere of the pub. Menu and bistro not the same either and the bistro is very cramped with very average food. Looks like new people have taken over. Was extremely empty for a Sunday afternoon compared to previous visits before it changed. Probably wont be back given excellent choices of pubs in Sydney
5 Star Review by Rob Wilson
First time here for a while and really enjoyed the atmosphere of the outside space. The food was very good. Fantastic Chicken Parmigiana and a really great beer selection too. Will be back again and much sooner.
5 Star Review by Katie Richmond
Great beer and great service, loved it
2 Star Review by David Mortimer
No comment provided.
3 Star Review by Belinda Launer
Food was average and place is a bit of a dump
3 Star Review by Riaan van der Merwe
Food options are not that great.
4 Star Review by tony doyle
Quite a nice pub