When you’re an expat living in a city far from family and friends, there are times when you crave a little bit of home. And an Aussie pub can give you that hit of home you need. For Aussies living in New York City, the last Aussie pub in the city closed down during Covid. For more than three years there’s been no spot to watch Aussie sports and get a schooner of Aussie beer. But that’s about to change. Cue: Old Mates. 

Beloved Australian entertainer Andy Lee has teamed up with restaurateur Eddy Buckingham, Bluestone Lane founder Nick Stone and a group of silent investors to bring an Aussie pub back to New York City. Located in the Seaport district, which sits adjacent to the Financial District, Old Mates will be a place Aussies – and locals with a thirst for Aussie sports and beer – can come together to watch the AFL, NRL and cheer on Aussie teams as they play on the international stage. 

 

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The 430-capacity pub will take over a space that faces the East River that once housed an Irish Pub, The Trading Post. Due to the time difference between Australia and the East Coast in the US, Old Mates has acquired a 4am liquor licence so when the AFL Grand Final is running till 3am patrons can still enjoy a cold beer while watching the entirety of the game. 

It’s taken Andy Lee and company three years to open the doors to Old Mates, but the Aussie pub will officially open its doors on March 6, 2025. We’ll cheers to that. 

 

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When will Andy Lee’s pub open in New York City?

Old Mates is set to open on March 6, 2025. 

Where is Andy Lee’s pub in New York City?

Old Mates is located at 170 John St, New York. The Aussie pub is in Lower Manhattan’s Seaport neighbourhood, right next to the Financial District. For more information, visit oldmates.com

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