Our Story

welcome to the Royal Hotel Cassilis!

built in 1870 & reopened in July 2020.

We fell in love at first sight with this beautiful sandstone pub, and we are sure you will too.  Situated in the tiny village of Cassilis, 1 km off the Golden Highway in the Westmost corner of the Upper Hunter Shire, we opened with the simple credo “Cold Beer, Good Food, Comfy Beds”.

In the years since, we are proud to have established an enviable reputation for great food, a well-appointed bar with an excellent top shelf, and clean and comfortable rooms with a homey living space for guests to relax.  We have extended our capacity with a spacious marquee, added extra accommodation options in other buildings, and continue to bring this magnificent old pub back to its former glory.

We source produce and beverages as locally as is practical, use local trades, and believe in community and being part of that community, supporting local sports, events, and initiatives.  We source & hire locally – and there are some great local superstars. We also get a thrill from restoring the details of the pub and using found objects and materials to bring the old girl back to her former glory.

We love the adventure that is the Royal Hotel Cassilis and look forward to you joining us on the ride.

What people are saying.

  • "Perfect place for a stop between the Hunter Valley and Mudgee Region for a cold one and some quality food with changing specials. Historic building and country charm with a few extras added by the owners: - Erika’s bread bar across the road has a fantastic selection of sourdough and even proper croissants - Check out the knifes for sale in the cabinet near the bar. Handmade by Sean with precision and highest quality steel. - And lastly another historic accommodation two doors up the road Highly recommended for a short pit stop or stay overnight.”

    — Norbert Krebs

  • “What a charming country town! Great atmosphere, great little cafe that bakes its own sourdough, awesome food at the pub (450g ribeye on the bone, yum yum!). Choose between very fancy accomodation or pub style room. Highly recommended..”

    — Bjorn Jacobsen

  • “This was my first stay at the Royal Hotel. We were traveling west and needed to stop along the way, and the pub had received good reviews. I was very impressed; the staff was friendly, the rooms were clean and well-appointed, and the food at both the pub and the restaurant across the road was exceptional.”

    — Riley Burns