Exclusive: Andy Lee reveals secret nod to Hugh Jackman in new Aussie pub - but fans might be disappointed

EXCLUSIVE: Aussie comedian Andy Lee is celebrating May 8 aka 'Mates Day' at his newly-launched New York pub.

But there's one mate he might owe an apology to. Not just any mate, but Hollywood actor and showman Hugh Jackman.

Hugh is part owner of Andy's Aussie-themed Pub, Old Mates, located in the heart of New York's Financial District.

With Aussie beer on tap and delicious local grub, The Hundred host included a secret nod to Hugh Jackman hidden on the walls. Only it smashed on the first day.

Catch up on the latest episodes of The Hundred with Andy Lee on 9Now.

While Andy has fronted the project, the two friends are part of an owners group backed by some pretty notable Aussies.

They include tennis queen Ash Barty, Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins, basketballer Patty Mills, surfer legend Mick Fanning and TV funnyman Hamish Blake.

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"I asked them what's their favourite pub in Australia, their favourite drink?" recalled Andy when he came up with the pub's concept.

"There's little nods to all of them," he explained. "Everyone's favourite pub in Australia is framed and hanging on the wall.

"Unfortunately we smashed Jackman's on day one accidentally. It was hanging above the register and one of the employees walked around the corner and knocked it off and smashed the glass!"

For punters wondering, Andy revealed Hugh's favourite pub back home is none other than The Oaks in Neutral Bay.

Andy, Hamish and thousands of revelers turned out for Old Mates' official launch in February 2025 for what was reported to be one hell of a night.

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Aussie basketballer Patty Mills showed his support on the night and was happy to report it was a success.

"Incredible night at Old Mates. Hit capacity by 6.30pm. Queues round the block but everyone happy to wait. Sold out of beer by 9.30pm. Close to 3000 cans," he wrote.

"It was imperfectly perfect. A classic community Aussie feel. We are on a winner."

Ash Barty backed Old Mates with a video repost set to 'That's My Team' by the Hoodoo Gurus – you can't get much more Australian than that.

Or so we thought.

Hamish and Andy sent the crowd wild as they leapt up onto the bar and did a shoey each.

Celebrating 'Mates Day' on May 8, Old Mates promises what will be another "absolute ripper" of an event.

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With sausage sizzles on offer, live music, flash tattoos and the quintessentially Aussie meat tray raffle, it truly is "the real Aussie embassy".

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