The Normanby Hotel Review

Review by Matthew Hart

Working in the hospitality industry it’s often difficult to find the time to adequately party. Fortunately several of Brisbane’s venues offer the long standing and amazing tradition known as the ‘Sunday Session’.

One such venue is The Normanby Hotel located in Red Hill. Don’t let the fact that this venue is outside of the city fool you into thinking it will be quiet because this place goes off! This place is famous for its Sunday Sessions and as I heard more of its reputation for throwing a great party I felt compelled to check it out.

I arrived at The Normanby on Sunday night at roughly around 7pm. Unfortunately I’d missed the afternoon crowd but the party was still pumping and the place was packed. I’d never been there before and thought I would explore the venue a little before meeting my friends. Upstairs I found the dancefloor and two bars which was pretty busy with top 40 blasting from the speakers. After wandering around aimlessly and getting a bit lost I headed downstairs to find a massive outside beer garden packed with partygoers.

The beer garden was simply awesome and seemed to go on for miles. I met my friends, grabbed a table and enjoyed the open air surroundings while listening to the band cover some classic songs. I started craving some drinks and decided to head to the bar. I had to hit the ATM first and grab some cash which unfortunately took some time, mainly due to some guys who seemed to be confused as to how an ATM worked. With cash in hand I headed to the bar, it was a bit of a wait for a drink but it was pretty packed so the staff can’t be blamed for that. From there I enjoyed the surroundings and some good music with some friends before heading out to another venue.

The Normanby is a great place to check out over the weekend, especially on a Sunday night. You’ll find a mix of friendly students and backpackers who are out for a great night and like most venues on a Sunday The Normanby has drink deals. I believe Sunday is a drinks and a roast package for a very modest price. The beer garden is very open and spacious and inside and around the venue there is exposed brick and terraces giving the place an old school feel. Best of all there is no cover charge to get in and the dress code is pretty relaxed, adding to the chilled and enjoyable atmosphere. With events such as Pure Fridays and a number of special nights coming up over the holiday period The Normanby is a must for any Brisbane partygoer.



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A Second Review of The Normanby Hotel

Review By Julia Roscoe

The perfect Sunday Brissie experience is at the Normanby Hotel. Situated just outside the CBD on Brisbane’s northside, and renowned for its laidback vibe, every local has enjoyed an iconic Sunday Session here singing along to old favourites with the legendary Tuffy. With multiple happy hours boasting cheap as chips Coronas and basic spirits, this is the best spot in town to sit back and watch the sun go down on another week.

Attracting punters young and old (though the majority tend to be 18 to 20-something), The Normanby never disappoints. With a relaxed dresscode (you’re quite welcome here in Havaianas) expect to see students, backpackers, tourists and locals a-plenty.

This historic and iconic building is a place to see in itself (built in 1872, the building is heritage listed.) With multiple levels and bars, there is something for everyone. Upstairs is where you’ll find the dancefloor with a DJ mixing beats you can bust your best moves to. And with a bar right in the middle, you can set up camp here if this is your scene. The beer garden is always bustling with energy, and you’re sure to make a new friend or two. The favourite spot to hangout though is by far the lower level, with tables and chairs so you can chill out with mates and really unwind. Come dusk it sure packs a punch here, and you’re sure to have a great time listening to the music and watching sporting event coverage on the big screen.They aren’t known here for mixing great cocktails, but the friendly bartenders will give you anything you ask for. Just be warned, with such cheap drinks on offer expect to wait for service during happy hours!

Visit The Norms – as it has fondly been nicknamed by locals – on a long weekend, and the car park is transformed into something closely resembling a huge house party, filled with hundreds of young and excitable revellers. With a couple of makeshift bars set up, on these weekends you’ll be lucky to set foot inside the hotel itself!

Boasting an undercover outdoor function area upstairs, The Normanby is a great place to host a chilled out affair, where you’ll even have access to your own private bar.Both inside and out, this place is quintessentially old school, maintaining the great pub vibe it became famous for. It’s been renovated, but hasn’t lost its charm. The traditional pub grub food is still some of the best in town – it’s a must to try one of their legendary steaks.Rich in history and good times, and with an unpretentious atmosphere, what’s not to love about The Normanby?

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