Kid-friendly pubs
Pubs and parenting don't mix. Or do they? Here's a few watering holes that welcome little ones
Fun for everyone at the Newport Arms
North
The Newport Arms 2 Kalinya St, Newport. (02 9997 4900). Mon-Sat 10am-12 midnight; Sun 10am-10pm. This historic pub boasts "Australian's largest waterfront beer-garden" with gorgeous views over Ku-ring-gai National Park. There are three kids' playgrounds, a garden bistro and all-weather dining areas. Mothers' groups are also welcome.
Palm Beach RSL 1087 Barrenjoey Rd, Palm Beach 2108. (02 9974 5566). Mon-Sun. 10am-9.30pm or later. Following renovations (due for completion at the end of October), a new deck area in the beer garden will mean there's plenty of outdoor space for the kids.
Castle Hill RSL Club 77 Castle St, Castle Hill 2154. (02 8858 4800) Tues 11am-2pm. There's a large jungle gym for children, and every Tuesday is Kids Day with a face painter, clown and Wiggles tunes ruling the airwaves.
South
The Historic Como Hotel 17 Cremona Rd, Como 2226. (02 9528 4499). Mon-Sat 11am-12 midnight; Sun 10am-10pm. If you're heading to the Como Hotel to grab a bite at the Burnt Door Bistro or to hang in the beer garden, pack the children.
Northies Cronulla Hotel Cnr Kingsway & Elouera Rd, Cronulla 2230. (02 9523 6866). Mon-Wed 10am-12 midnight; Thu-Sat 10am-1am; Sun 10am-10pm. The Mango Jam bistro and the large terraced bar area is family-friendly.
East
The Beach Road Hotel 71 Beach Rd, Bondi, 2026. (02 9130 7247) Mon & Tue 10am-12midnight; Wed-Sat 10am-1am; Sun 10am-10pm. Children are a common feature of this great eastern suburbs pub. Head to the beer garden attached to the back bar, pull up a pew and relax as they run riot.
The Clovelly Hotel 381 Clovelly Rd, Clovelly 2031. (02 9665 1214). Mon-Fri 11am-12midnight; Sat 10am-12 midnight; Sun 12 noon-10pm. This popular and well catered beach hotel has a large family-friendly bistro with a much sought-after outdoor deck area which is grommet friendly.
West
Courthouse Hotel Cnr Australia & Lennox St, Newtown 2042. (02 9519 8273). Mon-Sat 10am-12 midnight; Sun 10am-10pm. It's an added bonus for inner-west parents that one of the area's best pubs has ample space to take the young ones. After recent renovations, the Courthouse now also boasts the perfect beer garden for children.
Ettamogah Pub Cnr Windsor & Merriville Rds, Rouse Hill 2155. (02 9629 1130). Mon-Sat 10am-1am; Sun 10am-10pm. The Ettamogah-themed pub is proud to offer free meals for children with each adult's meal over $17 Mon-Thu. Sundays boast jumping castles and playgrounds.
The Rose Hotel 54 Cleveland St, Chippendale 2008. (02 9318 1133). Mon-Sat 11am-12 midnight; Sun 11am-10pm. The rustic beer garden has big wooden seats and tasty pizzas, making it an ideal draw card for all the family.