The Burwood Inn in Merewether is preparing to reopen more than three years after a devastating fire destroyed much of the heritage pub.
The heritage building was gutted by fire in 2023, and now The Burwood, affectionately known as ‘The Zoo’, is preparing to reopen.
The iconic Berner Street pub underwent major repairs after a blaze ripped through its kitchen area on 20 June 2023.
Dozens of firefighters were called to the blaze, which engulfed the 1870s pub.
Fifteen staff members self-evacuated, and the building itself sustained extensive structural damage.
Since then, The Burwood’s owner John Palmieri has undertaken restoration works, with the final touches now being placed on a multi-million-dollar refurbishment.
The repairs have been carried out in such a way as to preserve the heritage features of the venue and upstairs accommodation.
According to the development application (DA) lodged in 2024, the facelift includes reinstating a restaurant, kitchen, cafe, lounge and outdoor courtyard.
The DA also specified a qualified and experienced heritage architect was required for the project to deliver detailed advice for the duration of repairs “including providing guidance to the construction documentation, the implementation of the conditions of consent and through the construction process.”
For roughly 150 years, The Burwood has been a popular spot for locals and visitors, earning a loyal following.
Its closure left a noticeable gap in Merewether’s hospitality scene, and news of the pub’s reopening has been welcomed by many Novocastrians.
Locals are already expressing their excitement online, with many punters saying they hope a fan favourite, the classic pub steak, will return to the menu and that trivia will come back to Wednesday nights.
The Burwood has begun recruiting hospitality staff, advertising for a range of front and back-of-house positions, signalling preparations are well underway to welcome patrons back after years of closure.
The venue is expected to reopen before the end of the year.
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