The Aberdare Tavern built in 1904 is conveniently located in the CBD of Cessnock and an easy walk to all the amenities, shops and clubs Cessnock has to offer. The pub features a very modern interior decor and feel whilst still retaining the original classic outer style of the old country pubs of the region. The Glass Garden Bistro serves both al-a-carte and traditional pub fare including specialty pizzas in the central courtyard under a truly impressive glass roof. An excellent menu (here) and service I recommend be experienced. The pub has TAB, ATM, a large plasma screen to view all the sport, pool comps and live entertainment Thursday though to Sunday. There are relaxing gardens and a well equipped kiddies play area at the rear of the hotel which combined with the entertainment on Sunday afternoons makes this a great choice for a family day out. There are 8 well furnished rooms for guest accommodation, all recently remodelled. Shane, Terry and staff plus many friendly regulars invite you to be their guests. I've had many a good cold beer and good time at this pub. It has a vibrant young atmosphere and some of the best live acts in the valley.

The Bellbird was built in 1914 and is a huge pub in the former mining town just 5 minutes west of Cessnock. It is as beautiful inside as out with its tastefully renovated main bar area and comfortable lounge bar and all the modern facilities such as a gaming room and TAB. The rear of the pub features a large, furnished outdoor undercover area and very well maintained grounds in which to sit and enjoy a top class meal and a great cold beer. The upstairs accommodation is comfortable and roomy with upper floor verandas. This a great pub to bring the kids and get them out of your hair for a while. It has a well equipped, fully fenced playground within the enclosed grounds of the pub. A real oddity is the Bocce court (which is a French form of bowls) and boasts a local group of enthusiasts. I haven't seen this in action yet but intend to. The Bellbird is a great place to stay as a base to visit historic Wollombi, play golf or visit the vineyards. The Bellbird has a great social atmosphere with happy hours, raffles and badge draws. Have a game of pool or wine and dine in the Bistro. There is quality entertainment on Friday nights. The Bellbird Workers Club is almost opposite and features a Chinese restaurant and entertainment on Saturday nights. Tony, his family and staff are great hosts and would make you feel more than welcome at the Bellbird.

The Caledonia Hotel is a genuine old style sociable pub built in 1914 located in Aberdare just 2 minutes from Cessnock. The town grew around the many coal mines that were located in close vicinity to the Pub. Aberdare is the site of the Miners Hall of Fame and Memorial, the Tourist Information Centre, Turner Park the home ground of the Cessnock Rugby League Goannas and the Cessnock Tennis Centre. The large park adjacent to the is hotel ideal for the kids to run amok. The Callie features a discount Drive Thru Bottle Shop, TAB, a bistro serving good pub grub you can hardly see over (menu here) and reasonably priced comfortable accommodation. I've had a beer or three here and enjoyed the experience, so pop on down and say Hi to Terry and Marion. The friendly, down to earth staff and locals make this a pub well worth a visit or stay. Its an ideal stopover for family groups, sporting groups and those looking for budget deals.

The Cessnock Hotel is the oldest hotel in Cessnock. A Inn was located on the present site as a service stop for travellers on the Great North Road in the 1850's. The present building was licensed in 1903 and part of the original central bar has been preserved. It is known to locals as "Tinklers" after one of the long term original owners of the Pub. Of course many renovations have taken place since those early days and the pub now boasts all the modern facilities including Two Bars with good beer on tap, gaming room, a comprehensive TAB area, ample parking at the rear, a large accommodation floor along with entertainment Thursday to Saturday nights. Dining in the Kurrajong Restaurant (menu here) with its adjoining outdoor Café is perfect for those bright sunny days or warm intimate evenings. A fine menu is on offer for lunch and dinner all week and breakfast on weekends. Or you can enjoy a lunchtime beer and burger in the beer garden at the rear of the hotel with the kids. I've had many a good time at this pub over the years, the beers good and cold , a good place for bet, game of pool or watch a band with a friendly and laid back atmosphere. The saloon bar features half of the original central main bar from the original hotel. Call in and meet Hushie (no I'm not kidding) and his helpful staff. Also it's one of the few pub style hotels in which you can enjoy a relaxing spa bath.

Ah the Neath, a delightfully odd little place (the Staff & Locals I mean, not the building, it's huge). Neath was a thriving shanty town in the early coal mining days of the turn of the last century and the hotel is an historic testament of the era. Its a huge three storey hotel less than 5 minutes east of Cessnock full of character and characters. The original architecture has been preserved and it is beautifully appointed with large comfortable rooms, art and antiques. There are two large plasma screens in the bar to watch all the sport, pool and darts. Have a good meal in the dining room or the beer garden at the rear. The bistro is open 7 days a week (menu here). I've enjoyed the comfort of the accommodation at the Neath and recommend it. Upstairs there are 28 excellently furnished double and family rooms many adjoining the huge first floor veranda. The top floors are accessed by a central timber spiral staircase. Like most pubs, bathroom facilities are shared with large Ladies and Gents bathrooms on both floors. A couple of these have great deep old baths to soothe in. Its the home of the Miners Lamp. The staff will make you very welcome. And really, the locals make this pub a gem. It's an ideal place for large groups – can accommodate up to 70 including meals. Definitely one of the best places I've found to have a great cold beer, a good yarn and soak up the atmosphere by the fire in the valley. OH! Just a word of warning…DON’T sit on George’s stool.