The old corner pub in Maryville was born in 1930 during the Great Depression. Located on the only tram route to the steel works, The Maryville Hotel was established to conveniently accommodate and feed local steelworkers. During the 1930s, Newcastle’s steel industry played a crucial role in Australia’s economic recovery from the Great Depression with steel production expanding significantly and supplying materials for key projects like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and war efforts. Newcastle was known as a “steel city” for 84 years, with the BHP Steelworks being the biggest employer in town. 

In 1980 The Maryville Hotel became The Maryville Tavern. The removal of the second story accommodation occurred around this time. Despite its reduction to a single level the internal character of the hotel’s public bar remained as it would have been in the 1930s. Probably one of the last of its type from the days of being a steel worker’s hotel.

The hotel’s history and traditional features are at the heart of its 2025 transformation, with the project restoring and highlighting existing pressed metal ceilings and traditional timber wall panelling in the front bar, and incorporating a collection of locally sourced vintage and original art and photography. Industrial accents on an Australian heritage paint canvas, and a leafy native-inspired beer garden complete the picture. 

Today this timeless neighbourhood local still exists as a community cornerstone, welcoming locals with a classic Public Bar, Premium Gaming Lounge, all-weather Beer Garden and a comfortable Dining Room helmed by Seasoned Chef, Timothy Montgomery.