The Northern

The Northern is a historic Byron Bay pub with several distinct reasons to drop in. Its story reaches back to 1892, although the current building dates from the 1936 rebuild after earlier fires. In the front bar, the traditional Australian hotel setting has been retained, with plenty of character and a place to enjoy a beer while watching live sport. It is also a regular home for Northern Rivers musicians, particularly across blues, folk and rock, with live performances scheduled throughout the week.

The venue’s strongest draw is its music program. The Backroom, added in 1994, is a purpose-built performance space with a long history of hosting local, Australian and international touring acts. The website lists Paul Kelly, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Billy Bragg and Ocean Alley among the artists who have played there, reflecting the room’s broad musical range. Shows are held regularly, including on most weekends, making The Northern a natural choice for visitors who want live entertainment rather than a quiet pub meal.

The venue also has a cocktail bar and a Duelling Pianos experience, introduced in 2021. The piano performances feature Australian players and are being expanded with international talent, including musicians from Las Vegas and London. At the time of writing, the piano bar is being renovated, with the performances temporarily moving to the Backroom. The cocktail bar is also undergoing a refresh and is listed as returning soon; when operating, it offers a changing cocktail list alongside familiar classics and experimental flavour combinations.

For something to take home, The Northern Bottleshop is independently and locally owned and trades seven days a week from 10am. Its range includes fine wine, craft beer, local and artisan spirits and cider, with the team offering help to source particular drinks or plan supplies for an event. The wine selection is curated by sommelier Ben McNair, whose background includes Stokehouse, Cutler & Co and Bistro Guillaume. With its old-school front bar, dedicated live rooms, piano performances and bottleshop, The Northern suits visitors seeking music, drinks and a sense of Byron Bay’s pub history.