Tweed's Pink Icon, Turns the Page
The Imperial Hotel, affectionately known as The Impy, has been part of Murwillumbah since 1931. Rising in salmon pink, it is one of the Tweed’s oldest pubs and a fine example of the region’s Art Deco architecture.
Its history is as colourful as its exterior, having survived fires, rebuilds, and even a ghost story. With summer days stretching long along the Tweed, the Impy has always been a place to relax, enjoy a cold drink and catch up with friends.
From the moment it opened, the pub became a gathering spot for locals. Nearly a century later, The Impy still balances its history with fresh ideas, offering food, entertainment and hospitality that celebrate the Northern Rivers. Inside, heritage
details meet timeless touches, including 1930s concrete sinks, exposed copper pipes, and leather booths repurposed from the original bar.
Summer Music and Laughter
On summer weekends, The Impy comes alive with live music. Local artists perform from Friday to Sunday, from relaxed sunset sessions to lively evening sets, providing the perfect soundtrack for long summer nights. Comedy fans are in for a treat as well. The Impy Comedy Club returns in 2026 with a fresh lineup of local and touring acts. The full schedule is updated weekly at impy.com.au/events.
Northern Rivers on the Plate
The Impy’s kitchen, led by Head Chef Graeme, celebrates the Northern Rivers with back-to-basics cooking and the best local ingredients. “There’s real pride in knowing where your food comes from,” he says. “By supporting local producers, we’re strengthening the community and keeping food traditions alive. We work with incredible suppliers every day, including The Bread Social, Pita Line, Cheeses Love You, and many more. Their quality makes our job a joy.”
The menu balances classic pub favourites with elevated, produce-driven dishes. Organic chicken schnitzels, parmigianas, and grass-fed steaks remain hearty and familiar, while fresh, locally sourced ingredients lift every dish. A standout is the Market Fish—Northern Territory pan-fried barramundi served with burnt butter, lemon and caper sauce, and blanched broccolini. Seasonal dishes, like the heirloom beetroot salad with orange, almond hummus, and fresh mint, offer lighter options ideal for warm days and perfectly paired with a chilled glass of rosé.
Bottle Shop’s New Chapter
The Impy’s drive-thru bottle shop is moving to a new flagship space beside Gelato & Co. Bar Managers Joe and Asher have curated local craft beers, small-batch wines, and gift options, while keeping popular favourites and monthly specials. The move is part of a broader vision to refresh the pub’s façade and create a precinct where locals and visitors can explore regional produce, discover new flavours, and connect with the community.
Boutique Accommodation Upstairs, 29 refurbished rooms nod to the building’s Art Deco heritage while offering modern comfort. The 2016 three-year revamp blended old and new, equipping rooms with ensuites, flatscreen TVs and fridges. Guests can soon enjoy a mini-bar featuring local products, including Spangled Drongo craft beers and Loco Love chocolates.
Honouring a Local Legacy
Current custodians Nick Clydsdale, Lachlan Cottee and Tim Duggan, schoolmates who took over the pub just over two years ago, are committed to preserving The Impy’s roots while bringing new energy. “The Impy has always been about connection, a place where stories are shared, friendships are made, and everyone feels welcome,” they say. With the bottle shop relocation almost complete, the team is already planning the next phase of The Impy’s evolution, promising to enhance the atmosphere, energy, and community spirit that have made the pub a landmark for nearly a century.
From fires and rebuilds to fresh menus, playful design details, and lively entertainment, The Imperial Hotel has endured and evolved, remaining at the heart of Murwillumbah life. With its pink façade standing proudly on the Tweed, The Impy is ready to turn the page on its next chapter, welcoming locals and visitors alike to create new memories over good food, laughter and music.
