Six of the best local pubs
Our pick of the best locals around Sydney
1 Lord Wolseley
Hidden back behind the thoroughfare of Harris Street
on leafy Bulwara Road, the terrace-sized Lord Wolseley is the epitome of the local pub. Once upon a time one could drink merrily in the park of a summer's evening, but Council regulations put paid to such activities. On a winter's night, the welcoming atmosphere and foaming tap beer will warm your cockles nicely. Don't be tempted by the less-than-stellar bistro.
Lord Wolseley 265 Bulwara Rd, Ultimo 2007. (02 9660 1736)
2 Lord Dudley
You'll find yourself quite at home sinking into both the Chesterfield sofas and the beers by the Dudley's revered fireplace. So at home, in fact, you may have trouble leaving. The pub's old school English façade and cosy interior are like a warm, jolly hug for the ex-pats of the area, choosing to while away winter Sunday afternoons with good company, casual fare and proper pints with handles. A one-stop shop for British needs.
Lord Dudley 236 Jersey Rd, Woollahra 2025. (02 9327 5399)
3 The Rose
Evergreen favourite with the Sydney Uni crowd and week-night warriors, The Rose is steeped in colonial character dating back 100 years. It's roomy so you should always find tables and chairs for you and your mates. Also good for a game of pool or watching the game.
The Rose 52-54 Cleveland St, Chippendale 2008. (02 9318 1133)
4 The Cricketers Arms
Freaks, geeks, art students, after-workers and the IT crowd call this baby home. Who can blame them? Cheeky outdoor area, arena of pool tables and a commendable bistro make this a Surry Hills institution. Sweet nectars await.
The Cricketers Arms 106 Fitzroy St, Surry Hills 2010. (02 9331 330)
5 The Oaks
Tucked away in one of the modest pockets of the North Shore, The Oaks has been serving the good stuff to Neutral Bay since 1885. So they've had some time to fine tune the art of good food and good drink, making it a failsafe place to spend a sun-drenched Saturday afternoon or a dank Sunday. Just look for the giant gum tree (pictured) on Military Road.
The Oaks 118 Military Rd, Neutral Bay 2089. (02 9953 5515)
6 Darlo Bar
As city abodes grow smaller and rents bigger, the Darlo Bar welcomes us into its comfy communal lounge room with booze, food and TV like the friend we've always wanted. Decked out in retro furniture and art deco delight, it's a cheap and cheerful way to spend an inner city evening and several of the impressive local restaurants do in-house delivery.
Darlo Bar Cnr Darlinghurst Rd & Liverpool St, Darlinghurst 2010. (02 9331 3672)
Don't agree? Nominate your favourite local for our forthcoming Bar Awards