Chat On Tap
Chat on Tap is a podcast about pubs and the people in them. Each week, host David A. Lennon and a rotating cast of your new best mates pull up a stool as they chat with legends, locals and tap in on what to drink and where to drink it. Chat on Tap is both a love letter to Aussie pubs and beer, and a guidebook to where to go next.
Chat On Tap
EP06 Old Pubs, New Stories: Walking Sydney with Scott Southam
In this episode we’re joined by Scott Southam — storyteller, tour guide, and Sydney local legend behind I’m Free Walking Tours. Recorded inside The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, Australia’s oldest continuously operating brewpub, Scott and Dave pull up a pint to talk history and the hidden stories of The Rocks.
With pints in hand, they dive into:
- The Oldest Pub Debate – Lord Nelson vs Fortune of War: who really holds the crown?
- Ghosts & Press Gangs – The dark, hilarious legend of the Hero of Waterloo.
- Tour Tales – From COVID lockdowns to global travellers discovering ibis and schnitties.
- Sydney Secrets – Hidden spots, underrated parks, and the Opera House myths tourists can’t stop asking about.
- Last Drinks – Schnitty vs Parmy, best day for a beer, and the mates he’d most love to have a pint with.
Whether you’re a history buff, a pub lover, or just keen for a laugh over a pint, this one’s a walk worth taking.
🍺 Tapped In: Venues & Beers Mentioned
- The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel – Oldest brewpub in Australia, famous for its Three Sheets Pale Ale @lordnelsonbrewery
- Hero of Waterloo – Historic pub with sandstone cellars and ghost tales @heroofthewaterloo
- Fortune of War – Oldest licensed pub in Sydney (1828) @fortuneofwarsydney
- The Australian Heritage Hotel – Home of the iconic Coat of Arms pizza (half kangaroo, half emu) 🇦🇺 @australianheritagehotel
- Blue Gum Hotel (Waitara) – A north shore favourite for steaks and schooners @bluegumhotel
(Chapters are Auto-Generated)
00:00
Welcome to the Lord Nelson
03:00
The Free Walking Tour Experience
05:21
Exploring Sydney's Historical Pubs
08:11
The Rocks: A Unique Neighborhood
11:00
Tourist Demographics and Experiences
13:38
Ghost Stories and Legends of the Pubs
16:47
The Evolution of Pubs in Sydney
19:32
Common Questions on Tours
22:35
Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights
Recorded at: The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel
– The Rocks, Sydney
Guest: Scott Southam – I’m Free Tours
Proudly supported by: Oasis Brewing
– @oasisbrewingofficial
Episode produced by WHEN Studios.
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Hosted by David A. Lennon - @davidalennon
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