There’s been a fair few Mavericks from the Hunter Valley over the years – we can think of two without going further than the Johns household in Cessnock – and thus it stands to reason that one of the best restaurants in Newcastle would take the word into its title. Mavericks on Darby is the latest offshoot of the Mavericks empire, and they bring the best that all that implies to the bustling centre of the CBD, just a short walk from the City Hall and the Hunter River. Their menu is filled with Australian and international favourites – steaks fresh from the grill, fresh Sydney rock oysters, Coopers Pale Ale battered fish and chips are just a few of the options – and their bar is stacked with Aussie wines, bespoke cocktails and craft beers. The perfect place to start a night out in Newcastle, they can be booked online in advance to avoid disappointment, so gather your mates together and make the move to Mavericks on Darby – the newest hip nightspot in the heart of the Hunter Valley.