BEERS IN SYDNEY
Sunny day in Sydney? What else are you going to do? About 9.3 times out of 10, the inclination is going to be drinking beverages with some homeboys and girls in the sun while getting your lurk on. But if you don’t know your shit, you can end up in some pretty average places, which, let’s be honest, is usually just a huge disappointment. So here it is, from every good angle of Sydney, and all with a view. Go to any of these joints on any given sunny day and there’s almost guaranteed to be some sort of vibe you’ll be into.
North Bondi RSL , 118-120 Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi +61 2 9130 3152
Local knowledge would lead you to have a beer here – it’s everything you love about a returned and servicemans league clubhouse. Ol’ mates become new mates, all in the company of that great view called Bondi Beach (CLICK ABOVE IMAGE). Why not stick around and have dinner downstairs at North Bondi Italian food?
Hotel Sweeney’s – Rooftop Bar, Cnr Druitt and Clarence Streets, Sydney +61 2 9267 1796
Sweeney’s can be a bit of a dive’y joint – potentially one for the younger lot. Hit this one on the hot days and pound a few jugs.
Watson’s Bay Hotel, Military Road, Watson’s Bay +61 2 9337 5444
In every way possible, the Watto Bay is a destination drinking spot. The best way to get there is via a trip, stumble and a ferry from Circular Quay. If not just for the stunning sunset views, grab a bucket of beers and some fish and chips from the hotel (or go next door to Doyle’s for something more fancy-pants). It can get pretty packed on the hot days, so be prepared to use your elbows.
Courthouse Hotel, 202 Australia Street, Newtown +61 2 9519 8273
The Courthouse is a rare breed of pub. It’s essentially an every man’s pub that inhabits no one type of patron, which makes for a great mix of vibes and an always interesting time. It’s a bit like sitting in your backyard, but instead of grabbing a beer from the fridge like you normally would, you just go to the bar and pay $5 for one. I think what I’m trying to say is, comfort and chill levels are high. Locals are pretty hilarious too. Recommended.
Hunky Dory Rooftop, 215 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst +61 2 9331 0442
An eclectic use of furniture and fittings with a pretty outstanding but compact deck, you’d want to hit Hunk Dory early afternoon, then maybe Chingas aftewards? (below)
Chingalings, 1/133 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst +61 2 9360 3333 [photo: Leah Consunji]
How could you forget about Chingas? Because you probably didn’t. What a great deck for sinking brews with buds. Never forget. (Note that it opens at 4pm on Sundays)
The Norfolk, 305 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills +61 2 9699 3177
It’s Sunday afternoon, the sun is out, the hangover is nigh, but you’re keen to dust yourself off with with a few more frothy ones and a couple of fistfuls of tacos (and occasionally a BBQ feast). Pretty much always a few babes, The Norfolk is a surefire fix for a sunny Sunday.
Tilbury Hotel, 12 – 18 Nicholson Street, Woolloomooloo +61 2 9368 1955
A very well renovated hotel with both a relaxing courtyard and a large long deck, expect some noise at the Tilbury by nightfall – that’s assuming you decide to stick around.
Zanzibar, 323 King Street, Newtown +61 2 9519 1511
Probably the best view, day or night in Newtown. But when daytime hijinks are involved, it’s the Zanzibar rooftop you’ll be interested in. Very decently priced and highly consumable cocktails are on offer, so it’s not really something you should think about. What’s your flavour?
Got another suggestion? Fight it out in the comments section below.
