The Bridge Tavern Est1885
The newly refurbished Bridge Tavern is becoming a favourite place for those informal celebrations because it combines a great venue with good value meals and snacks, affordable drinks (including an espresso machine for great coffee) and has facilities for juke box, Karaoke, live music and more.
The History
The Bridge Tavern, or as it was originally known, The Central Hotel, was built after approval was given to Henry Moss in 1885, for a "large and elegant finished two storey hotel". The brick hotel had five bedrooms and a parlour upstairs. Downstairs were the public parlour bar, kitchen, dining room, spirit room and tap room where beer was stored.
Henry Moss was the Mayor of Shoalhaven at the time and responsible for the approval and construction of the bridge over the Shoalhaven River. After the bridge was constructed Henry Moss noted large numbers of people using the bridge, to cross the river, and it was after this that he decided to lodge the application to build the hotel.
As part of the original licence application made by the first licensee, Benjamin Thompson, it was noted that, "He is determined to keep nothing but the very best brands of liquor in stock." Benjamin also noted that, "Charges strictly moderate. Civility and attention."
The 1909 licensee, David Boyd, was a teetotaller and during 1910 he and his wife Ellen served more than 800 meals and accommodated 289 people.
On Sunday the 30th of April David died on the job. The previous day David broke down 17 gallons of rum after which he closed all the doors and windows leading to the bar. On the Sunday after lunch he went into the bar area to smoke his pipe. Unfortunately the fumes from the rum casks were still in the bar area which ignited and he blew himself up.
Part of the original tavern building, the two storey section, still stands on the corner of Bridge Road and North Street. In 1977 the tavern was modified by the addition of the pool room and bistro area. A beer garden was also included in these extensions.
In 1998 the beer garden area was roofed to protect patrons from the elements. This was the last addition made to the tavern building as it currently stands.
In 2005, the Bistro, beer garden, public and Saloon bars were extensively renovated. The Tavern now has reversed cycled air conditioned, a glycol beer system, rejuvenated kitchen, polished floors, lounges and new bistro furniture, plasma screens, extra pool tables and juke box, Espresso facilities, for the enjoyment and comfort of its patrons.
The Bistro
The Bistro is popular too as it combines a modern, fresh setting, comfortable lounge area, air conditioning, a Plasma screen and of course, Bistro food at very reasonable prices. You can still get a huge Snitzel, Salad, Chips and sauce meal for $8! And we’re known for our great value Steaks cooked to order, served with a fresh mixed leaf salad, homemade dressing, chips if desired and a choice of sauces – all for $16. Or you can have the steak with freshly cooked vegetables and your choice of sauce, for the same low price. We are introducing new meals – especially through the week. Wendy has regular chef’s specials to tempt you and vegetarians and vegans are catered for. Depending on produce you might find a fresh, marinara pasta, herbed lamb straps, minted, braised shanks, a curry, a tender chicken dish, fresh fish, vegetable strudel …
Like the beer garden, the bistro can be booked for special functions
The Entertainment
Tuesday nights is becoming lively with our regular National Poker League night. Which starts at 7pm sharp!
Wednesday we have the pool comp and Hollywood Karaoke so bring some friends and have a go.
We still have the Thursday evening (5pm – 8 pm) Lingerie Waitresses.
Friday nights starting from 9pm are now very popular with Flashback Friday's which is the best of the 70's,80's & 90's music only.
Saturday nights we have on a monthly basis Tempted, Plus we are also now trying Live Bands on a monthly basis plus very well known DJ's.
We aim to provide a family friendly venue for live muscos and their following. A place to play and listen, dance and just relax with friends. so why not book a table for a great night out at the Bridge Tavern.
The Beer Garden
The undercover beer garden is heated and seats up to 80 and has a pool table, BBQ and smoker’s area if needed. It even has some low settings for littl’uns. This can be used informally for functions or can be booked if you want the whole area to yourself and you have the numbers. We can provide bistro food, special BBQs etc or finger foods. Drop in and speak to Mark or Wendy so that your individual needs can be met.
Gaming Room
Each day through the Totaliser Agency Board (TABCORP NSW) we provide up to date form for all the greyhound, trotting and horse races from around the country and we televise these through Sky channel on our large plasma screens and eight other screens which keep you up to date with all the scratchings and all the odds both in Australia and internationally at several meets.
