The Metropolitan Hotel

The Metropolitan Hotel is a Maitland pub with a strong sense of place. Established in 1872 and rebuilt in 1942 in the Art Deco style, it brings together historic character and contemporary pub dining in the heart of the Hunter Valley. The venue’s story is closely tied to Maitland’s changing identity, and its design gives visitors a chance to experience a piece of the city’s past while enjoying the comforts of a modern hotel.

The kitchen focuses on hearty, generous food, with a menu that ranges from share plates and burgers to tacos, pub classics, kids’ meals and desserts. There is plenty of choice for a casual meal, whether you are after something to share or a more substantial main. The menu includes Korean fried chicken, salt and pepper calamari, an antipasto selection featuring cured meats, local cheese and olives, and several burgers, including the Beef & Bacon Burger and the Veggie Burger. Vegetarian and vegan options are also marked on the menu, with dishes such as potato gnocchi with vegan sun-dried tomato pesto and roast pumpkin fatteh.

The hotel’s Signature Steaks have a particularly local connection. The beef comes from Limeburners Ridge Pastoral, the venue’s family farm operation in the Hunter Region, where the cattle are born and raised on pasture. Cuts vary according to the daily steak board, so the offering changes with what the chef is preparing. Other substantial choices include the house crumbed chicken schnitzel, beer-battered flathead, Guinness beef pie and teriyaki beef rice bowl. For something sweet, the dessert list includes an ice-cream sundae and a warm chocolate and peanut brownie with vanilla bean ice-cream.

The Metropolitan Hotel also caters for a range of occasions. Its spaces include the front bar and dining room, with arrangements available for casual gatherings, birthdays, lunches, engagements and other events. Families are catered for with a dedicated kids’ menu, while groups can make use of the share plates and flexible event spaces. The venue’s community focus is another part of its identity, with the team inviting local clubs to get in touch about support. For Maitland locals and visitors from Newcastle looking for a pub meal, a family-friendly stop or a place to organise a gathering, the Metropolitan offers food, history and practical spaces under one Art Deco roof.