Paddo pub folk fire up fun and flavoursome festival to pull in old and new crowds

Paddington pub folk are hoping to entice people back to the area with a festival featuring an array of food, wine, sporting and music events.

The inaugural Paddo Pub Fest starts tomorrow and runs until Sunday.

From a meet and greet with NSW Waratahs legends, to hanging with the Bondi Hipsters or enjoying a culinary feast by Colin Fassnidge, organiser Sal Tremlett said there would be something for everyone.

Paddo Pub people (L-R) Grand National's Alex Avarmatti, Paddo Pubs Precinct, Sally Tremlett, the Imperial's Hugh Clarke, the Bellevue's Ned Kelly and the Royal's Carl Benjamin are excited about the four-day pub Fest.

"We're very keen for people who haven't been to Paddington for a while to come back and check us out," Ms Tremlett said.

"We do have such amazing offerings in our food and beverages. It's about bringing it back to the front of people's minds."

Nine of Paddington's 12 pubs are taking part, including The Paddington Inn, The Olympic, The Fringe, The Paddington Arms, The Grand National, The Light Brigade, The Bellevue, The Imperial and The Royal.

On Friday it's long lunches, including one with the Sydney Swans at The Light Brigade and Damien Pignolet at The Bellevue.

Ms Tremlett said there would also be free events and visitors could receive 20 per cent off Pub Fest menus by spending $20 at participating retail stores.

"We want to encourage people that if they're coming to Paddington to stay in Paddington," she said.

There will also be buskers and entertainers throughout the festival.

Source: The Telegraph, 14 February 2013