OUR HISTORY
EST. 1924
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EST. 1924 *
Victor Raymond Delany
(Photographer: Herman Schmidt, 1917).
VICTOR RAYMOND DELANY
1887 - 1933
Born in New Zealand in 1887, Victor Raymond Delany was a respected hotelier who managed the Terminus Hotel before opening Hotel Delany with his wife, Violet May Delany.
A World War I veteran, his military records spell his surname as both Delany and Delaney, a quirk reflected throughout the hotel's history.
Victor passed away in 1933, with Violet taking over as licensee and continuing the Delany legacy.
1924
THE VISION
On 27 November 1924, Mr Delany relocated the licence of the Lord Cardigan Hotel to the corner of Darby and Council Streets, establishing The Delany Hotel. Once one of 11 hotels on Darby Street, by 1924 The Delany was the only pub remaining.
1925
HOTEL DELANY OPENS
Construction began soon after, with renowned Newcastle architects Pender & Porter designing the striking two-storey corner building. Hotel Delany officially became part of Newcastle's hospitality scene and quickly established itself as a local favourite.
1933 - 1934
A FAMILY LEGACY
Following Victor's passing in 1933, his wife Violet May Delany became licensee in 1934, proudly continuing the family legacy and keeping Hotel Delany at the heart of the community.
1950 –2024
AN ICON ENDURES
Through changing decades, renovations and generations of locals, Hotel Delany remained a constant fixture on Darby Street, adapting with Newcastle while never losing its character.
Historical photographs courtesy of Ed Tonks.
Today
More than a century later, The Del continues to be a Newcastle institution. From legendary Bottomless Brunches and Newcastle's home of Two-Up to live sport on the city's biggest screen and unforgettable food and drinks, The Del has evolved into one of Newcastle's favourite places to eat, drink and celebrate.
Meet Our Licensee, Jacob
From Sydney's iconic pubs to Newcastle's favourite local, Jacob brings over 15 years of hospitality experience to The Del. Since taking the reins as Licensee in July 2024, he's helped shape a venue that's all about exceptional food, ice-cold beers, live sport and creating a place people want to come back to.
JACOB FLANAGAN
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Rotisserie Chicken with duck fat potatoes, salad and Portuguese chilli.
Drink of choice: a margy. Say less
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Its versatility, insanely good food, live sport and quality drinks all in one venue.
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Ally. She's been an outstanding part of The Del team and was recently nominated for the industry's Rising Star of the Year award, a well-deserved recognition of her talent, work ethic and commitment to hospitality.
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Big things are on the horizon, with plans for accommodation, a beer garden and a bottle shop refurb to continue expanding what The Del has to offer.
Acknowledgements
The Del gratefully acknowledges the research, historical information and archival photographs generously shared by renowned Hunter historian Ed Tonks.
His extensive work documenting the history of Newcastle's hotels has been invaluable in preserving The Del's story. Learn more about Ed's work and publications on the Ed Tonks Website