From Beer Garden To Bella Notte! Crossways Hotel Debuts Bonnie’s Eatery

Eat, Sydney / 19 April 2024

Say “Ciao” to a new chapter at the iconic Crossways Hotel!

For over 90 years, the Crossways Hotel in Sydney’s Strathfield South has been a local landmark. Recently revamped and relaunched, the iconic pub has unveiled a brand new eatery – Bonnie’s. More than just an expansion of the menu, it’s a heartfelt tribute to family and a celebration of good food bringing people together.

The Crossways Hotel now offers a glimpse into the past with a modern touch. The recently completed refurbishment embraces the pub’s heritage with a nod to 1970s sports lounges and classic corner pubs. Think art deco lighting, warm timber walls, and splashes of vintage charm alongside comfy seating and a refreshed beer garden adorned with a cheerful floral mural.

Bonnie's Orrechiete

But the heart of the update lies in Bonnie’s, the new casual eatery. The name itself holds special significance. It’s a dedication to Veronica Laundy, affectionately known as “Bonnie,” the late mother of Arthur Laundy, owner of The Laundy Hotel Group (which also includes Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel and Woolly Bay Hotel). The Laundy family has a long history with the Crossways Hotel – it was their local haunt for decades.

“Crossways has been a great pub in our family’s history,” shares Danielle Richardson, Senior Executive at The Laundy Hotel Group and Bonnie’s granddaughter. “We all worked there at some point and naming our new venture after Nana felt perfect. She was the backbone of our family business, and she cherished moments spent together over meals.”

Bonnie’s menu reflects this love of family and sharing. Expect a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where the focus is on good, honest food. The menu, co-created by Group Executive Chef Jamie Gannon and Group Head Chef Tanoy Biswas, combines reimagined Italian classics with familiar pub fare.

Start your meal with a selection of antipasti, perhaps the buffalo mozzarella temptingly baked in filo pastry, or a salumi platter showcasing cured Italian cold cuts. Lightly-fried Bolognese arancini or marinated peppers with stracciatella cheese offer other tempting options.

Pasta lovers will find themselves spoilt for choice, with dishes like the Sicilian-style rigatoni alla norma, featuring eggplant and salted ricotta, or the orecchiette gamberetti packed with prawns and sun-dried tomatoes. For those seeking a creamy indulgence, the pappardelle carbonara with pancetta is sure to satisfy.

The pub classics haven’t been forgotten. Veal and chicken meatballs in a rich tomato sauce or a Milanese-style crumbed pork schnitzel offer a comforting and familiar option. And for a true taste of Italy, the eggplant lasagne promises layers of roasted vegetables and creamy ricotta.

For the budget-conscious or those with a hearty appetite, Bonnie’s offers pub combos – choose chicken schnitzel or crumbed pork with your choice of pasta, all for a reasonable price. Wash it all down with a cold beer from their extensive draught selection.

Whether you’re a local resident with fond memories of the Crossways Hotel, or simply seeking a relaxed and welcoming spot for a delicious meal, Bonnie’s warm embrace and focus on family-style dining is sure to leave you feeling well-fed and content.