With Merivale acquiring and transforming Sydney pubs faster than Justin Hemmes can fly his seaplane from Vaucluse to Newport, there’s a definite risk of homogenisation amongst the city’s pubs. Fear not though, there are still beers to be consumed at these diamonds in the rough. Here’s our list of the most underrated Sydney pubs.
10 Underrated Sydney Pubs
The Occidental Hotel – CBD
Kicking off our list of underrated Sydney pubs is the CBD’s best-kept secret you’ve likely walked past a hundred times. With quality bistro lunches setting you back $12, an $8 ‘Beer of the month’ pint and $5 pints during happy hour, The Occidental is no stranger to a crowd. Grab a perch outside and watch the world go by.
The Occidental Hotel, 43 York St, Sydney
Commercial Travellers Association – Martin Place
Situated in the depths of the M.L.C Centre, smack bang in the centre of Martin Place, is a classic Sydney hidden gem. If Harry Seidler’s UFO-esque architecture doesn’t scream time machine enough, wait until you step into the bar, which looks like it hasn’t been touched since opening in 1977. Jugs will cost you $12 but you’ve only got until 9 pm on Friday to savour them.
The Commercial Travellers Association, M.L.C Centre, Martin Pl
The Lord Wolseley Hotel – Ultimo
Built-in 1881 and still Sydney’s narrowest pub, The Lord Wolseley Hotel possesses the old school charm of its construction year. A real local’s haunt, the Wolseley serves up truly underrated food with an even better atmosphere. Drop in on a Sunday afternoon for a Bloody Mary and some live Jazz in the sun.
The Lord Wolseley Hotel, 265 Bulwara Rd, Ultimo
The Welcome Hotel – Rozelle
With a South American BBQ in a dog-friendly beer garden, a cracking menu and a solid selection of beers on tap, it’s hard to fault the vibe at The Welcome Hotel. Whether you’re dining with the family or tucking into a couple with the fellas, the cosy Welcome rises above the rest in the Balmain/Rozelle area.
The Welcome Hotel, 91 Evans St, Rozelle
Friend In Hand – Glebe
Friend In Hand raises your dog-friendly pub with George the Cockatoo and monthly crab races. This Glebe institution is covered in memorabilia and draws an eclectic crowd thanks to its proximity to the housing commission. Perfectly kitsch with an events schedule to match.
Friend In Hand, 58 Cowper St, Glebe
Botany View Hotel – Newtown
The (somewhat) revamped BVH, on the quiet end of King St, feels like a real community pub thanks to its inclusive attitude and ongoing support of live music. Choosing between the standout Sunday Roast or Paella will be the toughest decision of your weekend. Thank god the choice to hit the BVH is much easier.
Botany View Hotel, 597 King St, Newtown
Gilroys Hotel – St Leonards
Fancy yourself a Guinness on the North? Look no further than Gilroys Hotel, across the road from St Leonards Station. With bartenders who actually know how to pull and serve a pint of the black (sit down and let them bring it over) and a tasty menu of nightly meal specials, it’s hard not to get stuck in.
Gilroys Hotel, 75 Christie St, St Leonards
Time & Tide Hotel – Dee Why
If you hang a left at Godfrey’s Dee Why and follow the road into beaches suburbia, you’ll likely stumble upon the Time And Tide Hotel. Serving the locals since 1967, the legendary Timeo is a favourite of workers and families alike with plenty of live music and a solid outdoor area. They’ve also got a Courtesy Bus if you’re staying local.
Time & Tide Hotel, 30 Campbell Ave, Dee Why
The East Sydney Hotel – Woolloomooloo
And finally, if almost every person you ask says ‘The East Sydney Hotel’ when you quiz them on the city’s most underrated Sydney pub, can it really be that underrated? Regardless of how you interpret it, there’s no arguing that The East Sydney Hotel is one of Sydney’s finest watering holes, where the beers flow until late.
The East Sydney Hotel, Cnr Crown &, Cathedral St, Woolloomooloo
Feature Image: The Lord Wolseley Facebook
Now, check out the 50 best excuses to have a beer at any of the Sydney pubs.
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