While the new owners wanted to stay true to the original feel of the pub - they kept the main bar almost exactly as it was - they also wanted to create spaces with a distinctly non-pub feel.

Now, in addition to the main bar, there's a ladies room/wine bar, a bakery/cafe, an events space, a restaurant with an open pizza oven, and a quiet corner perfect for curling up with a book and a beverage.

The new owners are a group of local families with backgrounds in hospitality, cheffing and management, spearheaded by Damien Martin and Loris Virgilio.

"It doesn't feel like we've just planted an idea from Sydney in the middle of Milton, it's all things we want to see in our community," said manager Heidi Bell.

"Coming home, the connection has been amazing.Whenever we need help, someone has been there."