National

Royal title for pubs, as others go commercial

By AAP Newswire

Jan 19, 2025

More than 70 pubs across NSW are called the Royal Hotel. — More than 70 licensed venues across NSW are called the Royal Hotel. -PR Handout Image

Those heading for a Sunday lunch or a few schooners, and the people who will serve them, have a decent chance of doing so at the Royal Hotel.

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That's because there are more than 70 of them throughout NSW, making it the state's most popular pub name.

With variations including Royal Exchange and Royal Mail included, the 111 pubs with "Royal" in their name make up more than one in 20 of the 2112 licensed hotels in the state.

The prevalence of "hotel" in pub names dates back to when pubs had to offer accommodation. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Gaming and Racing Minister David Harris said the name's enduring popularity reflected the nation's past.

"Pub names are more than a simple sign on a building; they are windows into our history, with the names a reflection of the industries, traditions, and people that have shaped our state," he said.

Other popular titles include Commercial Hotel, with 34 venues across NSW, while the 20 Railway Hotels make it the state's third most popular.

The popularity listing is unchanged from the last time Liquor and Gaming NSW reported the data in 2019, but the number of venues sharing the names has fallen.

There are 14 fewer Royal Hotels, a far cry from the the late 1950s, when 43 new hotels took on the title in a two-year period.

There are four fewer Commercial Hotels.

The Theatre Royal Hotel in Broken Hill is one of 111 across NSW with "Royal" in their names. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

A dozen of the still-standing Royals are in metropolitan hubs with the remaining 51 spread across regional NSW.

The prevalence of "hotel" in the name of licensed venues dates back to early licensing laws, which required pubs to offer accommodation alongside the service of alcohol.

While the times, and some of the names, have changed, pubs remain a cornerstone of the nation's culture, Mr Harris said.

"Their names serve as reminders of our past and the vital role these venues continue to play in bringing people together and strengthening communities," he said.

"Our local venues provide much more than just a place to share a meal or a drink – they are key employers and valuable contributors to local economies, particularly in regional areas," he added.