A thoughtful renovation has added extra charm to the Crescent, drawing a new crowd to join the long-time regulars for elevated pub fare and a well-considered line-up of craft brews and local wines.
If there was a guide book on how to lovingly breathe new life into an 1858-era pub while continuing to appeal to the regulars and drawing in a new crowd at the same time, the Crescent probably wrote it. Reopened in 2020 after a renovation, it has an interesting line-up of local small-batch wines on a continually changing list that’s impressive in this setting. The food menu, meanwhile, has a foot in both the classic and contemporary camps of pub fare.
The downstairs public bar is cosy, the staff are attentive and welcoming, and the beers are chilled. On tap there’s a rotating array of local drinks, from organic Willie Smith’s apple cider to beers by the likes of James Boag and Spotty Dog, as well as the house Spritz and obligatory Guinness. Knick-knacks adorn window sills and staircase nooks, while maps hang on the walls alongside school-holiday colouring competition winners. Greenery and vases of fresh flowers add ambience. Ascend the stairs and you’ll pass the private dining room on the way to the dedicated dining area. Here it’s table service, and the staff will knowledgeably guide you towards a drink of your liking. In its new incarnation, the Crescent has become a standout neighbourhood pub, and if it’s not your local, it’s worth the detour.
