By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Western Sydney’s dining scene is booming and The Woodstock proves the region is no longer content to play second fiddle to Sydney’s flashy harbour-side restaurants. Officially welcoming its first guests in late September, the former Carousel Inn has emerged from a multi-million-dollar transformation as a lively destination for families, foodies, sports fans and locals alike - all looking for a place to gather.
The opening weekend hinted at the buzz to come. AFL die-hards piled into the sleek new Sports Bar for footy finals, while a star-studded rugby league lunch drew crowds eager to trade handshakes with heroes. Families wandered through a free kids’ zone complete with reptile shows, petting zoos, a giant jumping castle and a surprise visit from Bluey, as live music spilled into the spring air.
It’s the food that’s destined to make The Woodstock a fixture on Sydney’s culinary map. At the heart of the venue beats a warm, Euro-inspired bistro serving crowd-pleasing pub classics with a little extra polish. Wood-fired pizzas (from $22) emerge blistered and bubbling straight from the oven, golden chicken parmy lands with crisp chips and a bright salad for $29 and a signature smash burger ($23) hits all the right nostalgic notes. Sweet endings, like a chocolate-and-cherry bomb for two, are a reason to linger a little longer.
"We’ve built a menu that’s generous, hearty and approachable,” says Executive Chef Steve Koenig. "From big char-grilled steaks to fresh Mediterranean flavours, there’s plenty to keep everyone happy.”
This also includes little ones - with kids equally well catered for via a $12 menu featuring pasta, cheeseburgers and grilled chicken with veggies, all served with a complimentary soft drink or juice. The focus is on family-friendly dining where no one leaves hungry.
The vision is clear: The Woodstock isn’t just a place to eat and drink - it’s designed to hum with energy. On weeknights, families gather in the bistro. Come Saturday afternoon, groups spill into the sunny beer garden. On game day, the Sports Bar roars.
The versatile events centre is ready to host everything from weddings and birthdays to corporate lunches and local fundraisers. "We want this place buzzing,” says General Manager Rhyan O’Halloran. "It’s about creating a space that works for every part of the community.”
Designed by KP Architects with Solotel’s in-house team, the interiors mix lime-washed finishes, earthy terracotta tones and warm timbers for a modern yet grounded feel. Outside, the bright Garden Bar and expansive playground - with climbing walls, slides, talking tubes and games corners - make it a destination for all ages.
For Solotel CEO, Elliot Solomon, that’s the point: "We’ve designed The Woodstock to be a true local, somewhere you can bring the kids for dinner on a Tuesday, meet your mates for beers in the Garden Bar on a Saturday over live music, or celebrate a milestone with the whole extended family.
"It’s about creating a space that’s warm and welcoming and full of life, seven days a week with seating for up to 600 people. That sense of community is at the heart of everything we do at Solotel and The Woodstock is a fantastic example of this.”
Next time the call for a night on the town lures you, consider swapping big city lights for this slice of suburban bliss.
Full details on ongoing events and offerings can be found at www.woodstock-hotel.com.au.
