Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delighted Aussie expats in New York City by “shouting” an entire pub during a spirited visit to Old Mates, a popular Australian-owned bar in Manhattan on Thursday
Fresh off the back of a successful event at the UN General Assembly, the PM swapped speeches for schooners, getting behind the bar and taking part in a beloved Old Mates tradition – ringing the iconic Bells Beach trophy bell.
“When an Australian VIP guest rings the bell, Old Mates shouts the bar,” explained venue co-owner Eddy Buckingham.
“It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you the guy who will be shouting the bar this evening, Anthony Albanese.”
Albanese joined a cheerful crowd at the bar, including Nova radio host Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli, and joked about his past travels to the Big Apple.
“I didn’t get to do this,” he said of his earlier backpacking days.
“It’s been a really proud occasion to come here … tonight, but also really fun to be with you. Thank you, it’s nice to know how to have fun!”
The bar’s tradition means the venue pays for the round, but the bell-ringer gets the glory, and for a few songs, the pub erupted in celebration, with schooners flowing freely.
Old Mates – dubbed “New York’s Real Aussie Embassy” – is co-owned by well-known names including Hugh Jackman, Andy Lee, Hamish Blake and Ash Barty, and has become a hotspot for Australian expats and visitors in New York.
Albanese and his team were in high spirits after a strong reception at the UN’s “36 Months Protecting Children in the Digital Age” event.
Australia’s world-first law banning under-16s from joining social media has received support from EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and leaders from France, Denmark, Greece and Spain.
Image: Nova Entertainment
