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As any schnitty-seeking Sydneysider would know, Sydney’s pub scene isn’t short on laid-back gems serving deep-fried faves and schooners of the good stuff, but finding a local that pairs proper pub culture with seriously good (and seriously affordable) Italian food is another story. Enter The Mitch, a reimagined neighbourhood pub on Mitchell Road in Alexandria that’s giving locals a whole heap of reasons to pull up a chair.
Formerly known as the Balaclava Hotel, the historic site dates back to 1920 and has lived a few different lives, including stints as The Buckland and Fratelli Fresh. But rather than simply slap on a fresh coat of paint and call it a day, new owner Phil Anderson has spent more than a year transforming the space into something that brings together the best of a neighbourhood restaurant and a traditional local boozer. After spending a sunny Sunday afternoon at The Mitch, chatting with Phil and watching the space fill with families and groups of friends catching up over rounds of Spritzes and wood-fired pizza, I’m happy to confirm that he’s achieved his vision.
What’s most notable at The Mitch is its seamless confluence of two identities. Up front, you’ll find an Italian-inspired osteria complete with an Amalfi-inspired colour palette, an open kitchen and a woodfired pizza oven. Outside, sun-soaked tables line the pavement, in what Phil described as the pub’s “piazza”.
Head further inside and things take a more traditional pub turn, with a huge pool table, sport, memorabilia lining the walls and heaps of space for a casual catch-up. There’s also a dedicated kids play area, which is such a nice feature for families looking for a crowd-pleasing spot to spend a Sunday.
Behind the bar, you’ll find ten different Spritzes, eight barrel-aged cocktails, rotating local beers and an Italian-leaning wine list. Friday is particularly worth marking in the diary, with 17 flavours of $12 “Mitchy Margs” up for grabs.
There’s a lot to like on the menu, too. The kitchen serves up Napoli-style woodfired pizzas (including a wildly moreish truffle-laced mushroom and bocconcini number), fresh pasta, delightfully generous share plates and a handful of old-faithful pub classics. Come Sunday, the pub roast is another reason to round up the troops – with crispy pork belly or 18-hour brisket on offer with all the trimmings.
And one of our fave features? The Mitch has deliberately chosen to operate without pokie machines, instead putting its focus on good food, friendly hospitality, live music and a real sense of community. Regular programming includes Tuesday trivia, Thursday community raffles, Saturday live music and local sporting partnerships.
From our sun-soaked, snack-stacked table outside The Mitch, it was clear to see that this century-old Sydney pub has stepped into a very happy new chapter.
You can check out the menu and upcoming events scheduled over here.
Note: We were kindly hosted at The Mitch, but our editorial recommendations are always honest.
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