There’s no shortage of great pubs around Rozelle and Balmain, but up there with some of the very best is The Welcome Hotel.
Nestled away on Evans Street, the pub is surrounded by an eclectic collection of historic housing and new builds, although few passersby would have any idea that the pub's history stretches back quite as far as it does.
Dangling in front of the doors is a classic pub sign depicting the pub’s mascot, an English fox hound called Winston, along with the pub’s name: Welcome.
That’s enough for us to take a peek inside (and order a round or two with some food) so if you’re curious to dig deeper into this piece of Sydney pub history, come along into the Welcome Hotel with us and see what we find…
The History of The Welcome Hotel
As soon as you’ve entered The Welcome Hotel, you’d be absolutely right to assume you’ve stepped into a historic Sydney pub with Irish origins. The coasters all depict Guinness, the walls are decorated with quirky items like hockey sticks with faded writing, and there’s a general friendliness and authentic Irish pub atmosphere to seal the fact.
However, these trinkets and additions are actually nods to its most recent chapter rather than its first.
From German Lagerhouse to a Rowdy Bar
The story of The Welcome Hotel goes back to 1859 and the arrival of a German immigrant by the name of Ernst Gottfried Rehnisch. According to newspaper sources, Rehnisch arrived in Australia from a town that was then called Sagan, Germany (now Żagań, Poland). Rehnisch’s obituary tells us that he first headed to the Victorian goldfields where he made his fortune and returned to Balmain where he would live out most of the rest of his life.
Rehnisch opened the first pub in what would become the Welcome Hotel with his wife, Eliza, who the newspapers tell us was well known for her kindness. According to some sources, the power couple ran the business for a decade before selling it to an unknown buyer.
A New Chapter: A Landlord With Missing Teeth
Years later, in 1921, the then-owner Mr Toohey sold the license of the Welcome Hotel to a new owner. His name was Henry John Wallington, and like one of his predecessors, Wallington ran the pub with his wife, Rose Ann.
Unfortunately for Wallington, his tenure as a publican would be anything but smooth sailing (but if there was ever a landlord you’d buy a pint to hear his stories, it’d likely be him!).
Despite its lovely name, the Welcome Hotel saw its fair share of rowdy pubgoers, and Wallington sustained several injuries during his time behind the bar. One of the most notable includes a situation where a patron, Frederick Arthur Peterson, broke a glass, “used filthy language" and when he was asked to leave, replied by knocking several of Wallington’s teeth out. Apparently, poor old Wallington suffered insomnia as a result.
A few years later, in September 1926, Rose Ann reportedly stole £600 from the hotel safe and then refused to tell anybody in court what she’d taken the money for (although she did say she had just as much right to the money as her husband).
Shortly after this incident, Wallington handed over the pub license to a new owner, Thomas Robert Henry West, in November 1926.
Rose Ann of Central NSW
It’s worth mentioning that Wallington’s co-owner, his wife Rose Ann, is just as fascinating a figure as her husband—if not more so, as her story reveals more layers of Australia’s past.
Rose Ann was born in Stony Creek, Young (NSW) around 1878 to a Chinese gold prospector, Joseph Ah You, and an English woman, Charlotte Birch. At the time of Rose Ann’s birth, it was illegal for English subjects to marry Chinese settlers so she was born out of wedlock. As a result, her maiden name was Rose Ann Birch Ah You.
Rose Ann and Henry John Wallington met and married in Wagga Wagga before moving to Sydney, and the theft incident wasn’t the first time Rose Ann’s name appeared in local newspapers.
In January 1902, Rose Ann was horrifically assaulted by a stranger called William Joseph Barker. Before attacking her, Rose Ann had told Barker to stop using offensive language. Thankfully, her own (incredible) words are recorded: “If you had a mother and respected her, you would not swear at another woman.”
Clearly a complex character, Rose Ann’s contribution to The Welcome Hotel’s history is one not to be forgotten.
A Canine Companion Becomes a Mascot
If you’ve read this far and you’re wondering where on Earth the four-legged canine mascot, Winston, comes in, don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about him!
Winston is something of a local legend and the story goes that in 1878, shortly after Rehnisch's tenure, a stray dog found his way to the pub. Although he was lost and masterless, he was given the name Winston and adopted by the friendly publican.
All’s well that ends well, because he’s still depicted on the hanging sign outside the pub today!
Eat and Drink at The Welcome Hotel
If all that new knowledge has got you in the mood for a pub feed, I don’t blame you at all!
Foodies, you’ll be pleased to know that the Welcome Hotel takes that beloved “pub meal” template and elevates it with kitchen-crafted flair (think hearty comfort meets refined dining).
Their food philosophy embraces the home-style staples we crave, while also spotlighting seasonal, chef-driven creations that result in pub classics done with style. You’ll find all the classic staples but they’ve definitely been modernised: panko crumbed barramundi burgers, classic schnitty with Italian salad, and pork belly with cider jus.
And just in case you’re craving a roast, I can personally vouch for them and say that the Yorkshire Pudding is 100% authentic (and delicious)!
Explore Beyond The Welcome Hotel with CityDays
So there you have it! The history of the remarkable Welcome Hotel in Rozelle.
Interested in finding more places like this?
Remember that no matter what you decide to do on your morning, arvo or evening of exploring, there’s nothing like teamwork to make the dream work.
That’s why we at CityDays create fun, interesting and challenging trails around the world to help you immerse yourself in a city’s culture, history and curios.
Want to find out more?
Check out all our available activities in Sydney here and embark on an adventure in the city you’ll never forget: CityDays awaits!
