The Gladdy

The Gladdy is a neighbourhood pub, restaurant and café in the heart of Stockton, with the former Gladstone Hotel’s heritage setting giving it a sense of place. It also includes a hotel, coffee shop and bottle shop, so a visit can be as simple as a morning coffee, a meal after catching the ferry, or a drink and something to take home. The venue’s focus is on being a welcoming community hub rather than a traditional pub built around gaming machines.

Food is led by Head Chef Simona, whose cooking draws on local produce and has a lightly Italian influence. The offering covers cooked breakfasts, pub classics, lighter plates, shareable food, seasonal mains, grill dishes, pasta and rotating specials. Coffee is locally roasted, while the drinks list includes wine, cocktails, beer on tap and locally brewed house beers. The bottle shop takes a boutique approach, with a selection that leans away from mainstream products. The venue also says profits from selected products, including its locally brewed house beers, are donated to local community groups.

There are several spaces to choose from. The front bar suits a casual coffee, a quick meal or an afternoon drink, while the dining room is set up for family meals, birthdays, team lunches and larger tables. The Backyard has grass, cubby houses and room for children to play, and the alfresco area is pram-friendly with morning sun and a sea breeze. The verandah offers a more open-air spot along Mitchell Street. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in designated dog-friendly areas, including the front bar and outdoor spaces.

The Gladdy works for a broad range of visits: families have access to a kids’ nook, children’s menu and high chairs; groups can settle in for birthdays or long lunches; and solo visitors can drop by for coffee or an easy meal. It also suits a relaxed date or catch-up, particularly in the dining room or alfresco area. Regular entertainment, live music, Trivia Thursdays and weekly meal specials add reasons to return, while the restored upstairs rooms provide an option for guests wanting to stay in Stockton’s heritage surrounds.