The story of this place
William Wells, described as a 'raconteur, highway robber and reformed bootlegger,' built the Lord Nelson in 1841 as his primary residence and established Australia's oldest pub brewery on the site. A former convict turned gentleman publican, Wells transformed from criminal to respected businessman, creating a legacy that has poured award-winning ales for over 180 years. The Lord Nelson remains Sydney's oldest continually licensed hotel, still brewing beer on-site using techniques that span nearly two centuries of continuous operation.