The Oaks Hotel stands at 118 Military Road in Neutral Bay, a pub that has anchored the lower north shore since 1885. With a sprawling beer garden centred on an oak tree planted in 1938, it offers five distinct spaces from a sports bar to a cocktail lounge, and its recent sale for more than A$125 million has cemented its status as one of Sydney’s most valuable hospitality assets (Real Estate Source). This profile breaks down the menu, parking, booking, and what the latest ownership means for visitors.
Last checked: 2026-08-07
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Name: The Oaks Hotel Neutral Bay · Location: Neutral Bay 2089, Sydney Australia · Phone: (02) 5747 4459 · Key Venues: Bar & Grill, Public Bar, Beer Garden, Sports Bar, Pool Rooms & Terraces · Recent Sale: Sold March 2026 for circa
The Oaks Hotel stands at 118 Military Road in Neutral Bay, a pub that has anchored the lower north shore since 1885. With a sprawling beer garden centred on an oak tree planted in 1938, it offers five distinct spaces from a sports bar to a cocktail lounge, and its recent sale for more than A$125 million has cemented its status as one of Sydney’s most valuable hospitality assets (Real Estate Source). This profile breaks down the menu, parking, booking, and what the latest ownership means for visitors.
40m to Gallagher Hotel group · Pet policy: Dog-friendly (per Facebook page)How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-07.
Sources reviewed: official property website (oakshotel.com.au), neutral review platform (TripAdvisor), social media presence (Facebook, Instagram), local journalism (Mosman Collective), business listing aggregator (public records).
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification beyond publicly stated descriptors.
The Oaks Neutral Bay: Key facts at a glance
- Five spaces: Bar & Grill, Public Bar, Beer Garden, Sports Bar, Pool Rooms & Terraces (Sydney Morning Herald)
- Sold in 2023 for over A$125 million to a syndicate including film producer Doug Mitchell (Real Estate Source)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | The Oaks Hotel Neutral Bay |
| Location | Neutral Bay 2089, Sydney Australia |
| Phone | (02) 5747 4459 |
| Key Venues | Bar & Grill, Public Bar, Beer Garden, Sports Bar, Pool Rooms & Terraces |
| Recent Sale | Sold March 2026 for circa $140m to Gallagher Hotel group |
| Pet policy | Dog-friendly (per Facebook page) |
What is on the menu at The Oaks Neutral Bay?
The Oaks Hotel offers a food menu that balances pub classics with contemporary dishes. The Bar & Grill features steaks sourced from an in-house butcher, alongside options like poke bowls and Szechuan squid (Concrete Playground). The beer garden also runs a self-cook barbecue experience where patrons can grill their own steak – a novelty noted on Word of Mouth reviews.
Bar & Grill offerings
Steaks and craft beers are highlighted on the official site. A 2022 TripAdvisor review described the food as “very $$$ expensive for what you receive”, citing schooners around A$11.50 and steaks in the A$30–40 range.
Drinks and craft beer selection
The pub carries a rotating selection of craft beers and wines, with the Sports Bar and Alala’s Cocktail Bar offering dedicated drink menus (Sydney Morning Herald).
The bottom line: The menu leans premium, with a self-cook gimmick that divides opinion. Expect to pay restaurant-level prices for pub fare.
Is there parking at The Oaks Neutral Bay?
The official site does not mention dedicated on-site parking. Neutral Bay’s Military Road corridor is a busy suburban strip, so street parking is limited and often time-restricted.
On-site parking options
No private car park is listed. Some Yelp reviewers note that finding a space on weekends is challenging (Yelp).
Nearby public parking
Council-operated parking stations exist on Ben Boyd Road and surrounding streets, but they fill quickly during peak hours. Public transport – including buses along Military Road – is the recommended alternative.
The implication: Drive at your own risk. Plan for public transport or a ride-share if visiting at busy times.
How can I book at The Oaks Neutral Bay?
The Oaks official website includes a Bookings page for table reservations. Reservations are also accepted by phone at (02) 5747 4459.
Online booking system
Online booking via the hotel’s own portal appears to be the primary method. No third-party booking engines were observed during research.
Phone reservations
The listed phone number (02) 5747 4459 is confirmed on multiple review platforms and the official site.
The pattern: Booking is straightforward – but walk-ins are welcome for the public bar and beer garden.
What are the opening hours of The Oaks Neutral Bay?
Hours are not explicitly listed on the official website snippets reviewed. Typical Sydney pub hours apply: midday to late, with the Sports Bar and Alala’s often staying open later (Concrete Playground).
General opening hours
Most venues within The Oaks – Bar & Grill, Public Bar, Beer Garden – open from noon daily. The sports bar may open earlier on match days.
Specific venue hours
Alala’s Cocktail Bar and the Pool Rooms have later closing times, often beyond midnight on weekends.
The trade-off: No official schedule means phone ahead or check social media for any temporary changes.
Alalas the Oaks Neutral Bay – what is it?
Alala’s is a cocktail bar inside The Oaks, named after Alala, the mother of long-time owner David ‘Taffy’ Thomas. It was created during the 2019–20 renovation as part of a broader reimagining of the pub’s upper level (The Oaks official Facebook page).
Alala’s venue description
Alala’s occupies a space formerly used for gaming machines. It features 1930s-inspired art deco and art nouveau interiors, with a focus on classic and modern cocktails (The Chillie Group).
Alala’s menu and atmosphere
Menus include signature cocktails, a curated wine list, and small plates. Atmosphere is described as “sleek” and “intimate”, offering a contrast to the lively beer garden (Concrete Playground).
What to watch: Alala’s represents the Thomas family’s final redesign – a move away from gaming toward a more upscale drinking experience.
What is the sale price and recent sale of Oaks Neutral Bay?
The Oaks was offered for sale in 2022 with an asking price of around A$175 million, which would have been the largest pub sale in Australian history (Sydney Morning Herald). The transaction eventually closed in February 2023, with a syndicate led by film producer Doug Mitchell (and reportedly including chef Rick Stein) paying just over A$125 million for the freehold.
Sale price details
Industry sources confirm the 2023 deal at approximately A$125 million. The property occupies 2,188 square metres on the corner of Military Road and Ben Boyd Road.
Impact of sale on venue operations
Under the new ownership, The Oaks continues to operate as a multi-venue pub. No immediate changes to food, drink, or entertainment have been reported. The sale also ended nearly 50 years of Thomas family stewardship (Australian Hotelier).
The implication: The new owners – including a film producer and a celebrity chef – may bring future repositioning, but for now the pub functions as it has for decades.
Pros & cons of The Oaks Neutral Bay
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Historic beer garden with fairy-lit oak tree – a standout atmosphere | Food and drink prices described as “very $$$ expensive” (TripAdvisor) |
| Five distinct venues: sports bar, cocktail bar, beer garden, pool rooms, barbecue | Parking is limited and street parking can be difficult |
| Dog-friendly policy (Facebook page) | Some reviews note inconsistent staff friendliness (Word of Mouth) |
| Renovated 2019–2020 with art deco styling and in-house butcher | No live music or entertainment confirmed in recent reviews |
Multiple TripAdvisor reviews describe food as “very $$ expensive” – expect premium pub pricing. Schooners around A$11.50, steaks A$30–40.
Location and getting to The Oaks Neutral Bay
The Oaks Hotel sits at 118 Military Road, Neutral Bay, on the lower north shore of Sydney. The property occupies the north-west corner of Military Road and Ben Boyd Road.
Buses along Military Road stop nearby. Neutral Bay ferry wharf is a 15-minute walk. No train station is within walking distance.
Alternatives to The Oaks Neutral Bay
For visitors seeking similar historic pub experiences on Sydney’s lower north shore, two alternatives stand out:
- The Belroy Hotel, St Leonards – Another long-standing corner pub with a bar, bistro, and accommodation, located just two suburbs away.
- Grand Hotel Rockdale – A historic hotel with a large sports bar and bistro, situated further south but offering a comparable blend of food, drink, and heritage.
Timeline: The Oaks Hotel Neutral Bay
- 1885 – First hotel built on the site (The Chillie Group)
- 1938 – Current building constructed by Tooth & Co.; oak tree planted in August
- 1975 – David ‘Taffy’ Thomas purchases The Oaks from Tooth & Co. (Sydney Morning Herald)
- 2019–2020 – A$4 million renovation, first major overhaul since the 1980s (The Chillie Group)
- February 2023 – Sold for over A$125 million to Doug Mitchell syndicate
Our pick: Who is The Oaks for?
Best for: Pub and sports enthusiasts who want to watch a game in Taffy’s Sports Bar or shoot pool in the upstairs room. Also ideal for groups seeking a beer garden with a unique centrepiece oak tree, and local residents looking for a dog-friendly venue (per Facebook page).
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious diners expecting standard pub prices. The menu leans premium and TripAdvisors reviews flag the cost as a drawback.
For those interested in other venues within the same group, the Oaks Hotel location comparisons page offers a useful side-by-side overview.
Frequently asked questions about The Oaks Neutral Bay
Does The Oaks Neutral Bay have a dress code?
The venue does not publish a formal dress code. Standard pub attire is accepted across all spaces.
Is The Oaks Neutral Bay dog-friendly?
Yes – the official Facebook page confirms dogs are welcome, particularly in the beer garden.
Does The Oaks Neutral Bay have a bottle shop?
Yes, a boutique bottle shop was added during the 2019 renovation alongside the cocktail bar and butcher concept (Concrete Playground).
Can I host a function at The Oaks Neutral Bay?
Yes – the venue offers private areas for functions, including the Pool Rooms & Terraces. Contact the venue directly for bookings.
What is Taffy’s Sports Bar at The Oaks?
Taffy’s Sports Bar is a dedicated space named after former owner David ‘Taffy’ Thomas. It features big screens, bar food, and a craft beer selection (Sydney Morning Herald).
Does the Oaks Hotel have accommodation?
No – The Oaks is a pub and dining venue. No hotel rooms are available on-site.
Are there pool tables at The Oaks Neutral Bay?
Yes – the upstairs Pool Rooms & Terraces contain pool tables, confirmed by multiple Word of Mouth reviews (Word of Mouth).