case studies
Old Mates x tendlyn
A true Aussie pub is more than just a watering hole—it’s a sanctuary where the beer’s always cold, the yarns flow like a mullet in a fresh sea breeze. It’s moved on from Jimmy Barnes to Dom Dolla and the whole place is humming.
The culinary offering at Old Mates is a great mix of classics and modern fare—think Dog’s Eyes (Meat Pies), Sanga’s (Sandwiches) and Lamb Chops, through to Westholme Beef Tartare, Grilled Sea Bass and Wagyu Steak all dished up with a healthy side of banter. Above all, it’s the people that create the unpretentious vibe that makes you feel so welcome. Get in there, legends!
To make the Old Mates experience even more elevated, every “pub grub” they serve—like their signature burger with fries—comes in compostable food packaging, and and every schooner of beer and wine is accompanied by branded coasters and napkins, all of which they partnered with tendlyn to create a branded packaging suite that speaks to their quality and personality.
Read on to learn more about the newest Aussie pub in town, Old Mates!
Tell us a bit about your brand!
The idea took root in the midst of COVID, a time when many beloved Australian bars in New York had unfortunately shuttered. These venues had played an important part in our lives since moving to NYC—Eddy in 2009, and Nick in 2010. In fact, Eddy had relocated from Australia to join The Australian NYC, which enjoyed a memorable 10-year run in Midtown Manhattan.
We saw a big gap in the New York market: no Australian pub that embodied the classic experience—community-centered, cold Aussie beers on tap, comforting pub fare, and that unmistakable vibe of your local inner-suburban haunt back home. Everything about Old Mates has been designed and executed to bring an authentic Australian pub to New York. From the menu to the programming, we’ve tried to capture what made our favorite Aussie pubs so iconic—places like The Standard Hotel in Fitzroy, The Builders Arms Hotel, and Prince Alfred in Richmond.
tendlynCustom Sandwich Bags, designed by@oldmatespub
Tell us about the design for your packaging and how you’re using them?
The packaging and branding are deeply inspired by vintage Australian hospitality icons, especially the ornate typography and design styles from Melbourne’s heritage era.
tendlynCustom Napkins, designed by@oldmatespub
We wanted the packaging to really lean into our signature brand assets, to drive awareness while also supporting flexibility.
tendlynCustom Coasters, designed by@oldmatespub
Our Chef (Simon Drolz-Cox) has done an amazing job with the menu and his plating, so it was critical that we had packaging that would support showcasing the dishes.
What made tendlyn a good fit for your packaging?
Working with tendlyn was a natural fit—not only because of its Antipodean roots, but because they already produce packaging for so many Australian brands we admire.
tendlynCustom Food Paper, designed by@oldmatespub
Their service—from the CEO down—has been incredibly responsive and insightful, making them the right choice for us.
Where are you finding inspiration for Old Mates and in life at the moment?
Old Mates is about more than nostalgia. It’s about creating a space that reflects the warmth, community spirit, and timeless appeal of the Aussie pub tradition—for locals, expats, and anyone looking for a great schooner and a proper feed.
tendlynCustom Tote Bags, designed by@oldmatespub
Old Mates’ featured products:
Shop and packaging imagery, photographed by Louise Palmberg(@louisececiliapalmberg)
