Hollywood stars, Prime Ministers and secret gigs: Why A-listers are flocking to this Aussie pub in New York

When Andy Lee opened Old Mates Pub in New York earlier this year, he had a vision of serving "fresh, cold beer" for homesick Aussies, locals and travellers alike.

He did just that and more.

Some of Australia's biggest names, including Hugh Jackman, Pat Cummins, Ash Barty and Patty Mills, are not only part owners of the pub but a few of the many A-listers lining up, shouting drinks or performing secret gigs.

But they're not just shouting drinks, they're shouting the whole pub, a tradition that started in July 2025 thanks to pro surfer and part-owner Mick Fanning.

We couldn't help but wonder, which other famous faces have stopped by the Aussie bar turned New York attraction?

10. Cody Simpson and Emma McKeon

"Two Aussie legends. One iconic bell. 🛎️," said Andy and his team as the duo stopped by in September 2025.

Yep, it's popstar turned Olympian Cody Simpson with 14-time Olympic medallist and partner Emma McKeon.

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The homegrown champions rang the bell, shouted the pub beers and kicked off a ripper night.

The pub posted photos of their visit with fans jumping to the comments to nominate the next Aussie legend to "ring the bell".

"I'd love to see icons like Steve Bradbury, Kylie [Minogue], Irene from home and away and [Play School's] Noni Hazlehurst," said one follower.

"@stevenbradburyofficial were calling you next! Get in here!" the pub replied.

9. PM Anthony Albanese

You know it's a big night when the PM swings by!

In September 2025, Prime Minister Albanese rang the bell at Andy's pub - and the bar shouted the entire crowd.

Albanese stopped by after United Nations General Assembly, joined by radio presenter and comedian Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli.

8. Hugh Jackman

The Hollywood heavyweight was spotted four months ago, posing here with Andy and Andy's business partner Eddy Buckingham behind the bar.

"Old Mates - how Aussies eat in NYC," Hugh captioned the snaps. "This pub is amazing."

7. Kevin Rudd and G Flip

From one politician to the next...

Imagine grabbing a drink after work and Aussie Ambassador Kevin Rudd is there serving you a cold one.

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"Aww that's it I'm adding 'have a beer with Rudd' to my bucket list," reacted one fan as the pub shared the snaps on Instagram.

"Can't believe he served me a beer 😂😂," one pub goer wrote.

But of course your night gets even better when you realise music powerhouse G Flip is there.

The duo (we didn't know we needed) even drew the meat raffle winners that night. Strewth!

6. Anthony Field

The original blue Wiggle stuck around for a pub salad and a milkshake.

"If I bumped into Anthony at a pub no doubt I'd buy a round of milkshakes. 😉," commented one fan.

5. Mick Fanning

The legend that started it all.

Part owner and pro surfer Mick Fanning donated his prized possession, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach trophy, to Old Mates in July 2025.

It was that day Old Mates declared: "When a world champion Aussie is invited to ring the bell, Old Mates will shout the entire pub."

4. Dom Dolla

The Aussie music producer and DJ didn't just sink beers at the pub, he served drinks behind the bar and played a banger set during opening week.

"It's fair to say that the pub felt more like [night club] @revolverupstairs for a while there, but geez it was fun! Should he do it again?" Andy and his team wrote at the time.

Ummm definitely, yes!

3. Vance Joy

Three-time ARIA award winner Vance Joy stopped by for a drink in September 2025 after sneaking in a secret show for 300 fans.

"The most ICONIC New York moment! 🤩," one Instagram follower commented.

"I would simply pass away," another reacted.

2. Alex 'Demon' de Minaur

From music legends to tennis heroes, the 'Speed Demon' himself swung by claiming he "had the best sausage roll" while at Old Mates.

Alex was in New York for the US Open.

That same week Aussie tennis legend turned ESPN commentator Rennae Stubbs dropped in – what a match!

1. Hamish Blake

This photo is probably as blurry as their night got, but if Andy was going to have any guest at the pub's pre-opening it would have to be best mate and part-owner Hamish Blake.

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A special preview party was held in February 2025 as Hamish, Andy, a bunch of other Aussie icons and thousands of revellers turned out for what was one hell of a night.

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 at the time.

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.

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