Located in the heart of the University of Newcastle’s (UoN) Callaghan campus, Bar On The Hill has been serving students for 40 years.
Opened in 1985, the venue was the stomping ground for many pupils to gather, drink and eat in between classes.
Now, it’s undergone a much-needed facelift and policy change to mark the amazing milestone of four decades of operation.
With a revamped interior, new-look beer garden and updated menu, it’s hoped the modifications will breathe new life into the venue.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky looks back fondly on the bar’s early days.
“When it was built 40 years ago, it was built by the students for the students,” he explained.
“The original bar was also funded by pupils.
“We’ve really tried to bring back that tradition with a student-facing bar with a lot of functions for it, to bring them back in their own place they can hang out.”
The venue has also hosted a long list of legendary musical talent, including Silverchair, The Whitlams and Powderfinger.
Professor Zelinsky said the updated facilities were much-needed for the local live music scene.
“With the closure of places like The Cambridge, there’s a real lack of quality venues in Newcastle and we’ve recreated the bar in a way for that to occur,” he added.
On 26 March, the milestone was celebrated in style with Professor Zelinsky shouting the opening round for the first 100 students in attendance.
The bar also welcomed back its original barman Mal McCracken to relive the old days and pour a few cold ones for the festivity.
In the end, more than 900 students attended the celebration which continued into the late hours of the night.
Professor Zelinsky said he was glad to see the venue revitalised.
“It went into a bit of a hiatus in recent years, it wasn’t really up to scratch, and we were running it through an outsourced operation,” he stated.
“So, we’ve decided into the university and put it back at the centre of student life.
“We do have more than 1,800 pupils living on campus.
“They need a place where they can get some food and watch television.
“People told us there wasn’t anywhere to go and watch Friday night football.
“There is now.”
The bar will also feature a range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options for under $10, including bacon and egg rolls, avocado toast, a variety of pastries, toasted sandwiches and fresh salads.
By popular demand, the venue has also added a newly-installed pizza oven, operating daily.
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