Monster Children’s Guide To Sydney’s Best Pubs
It’s pub season which in Australia coincidentally doesn’t officially stop or start in any particular month or weather period.
Some would argue a pub with a courtyard is best enjoyed in summer, while those with a good Guinness and roast are the best winter candidates, but I am a fan of them all. I love a good pub like a fly likes a half eaten mango sitting on the bench top in the sun. The only pubs I don’t like are the ones where some bright knick knack with the interior design skills of an IKEA intern thought it would be a good idea to refurbish what was once a characteristic, loveable pub into a beige showroom devoid of any personality or fun. Luckily, Sydney is home to some of Australia’s greatest, oldest pubs. The Monster Children office is conveniently located within walking distance, or at the very least, a short, affordable uber to Sydney’s best pubs and let me tell you, without sounding too cocky, we know how to pub. Here is our loose guide to having a good one if you’re in the city.
The Henson, Marrickville
A laid back neighbourhood pub with a leafy beer garden and the whackiest selection of hot sauces you could possibly need, The Henson is a welcoming, classic pub. The mie goreng is fucked up, the staff are always lovely and if you get a table outside in the sun of an arvo, you might just think you’ve died and gone to heaven.
The Waratah, Paddington
I don’t know if this is technically classified as a pub or a bar but regardless it certainly deserves a mention. Newly renovated and revamped yet still teeming with its 1950s heritage, The Waratah has quickly become a Paddington favourite for its amazing night specials (the steak is fucked up people), fairy bread dessert and impeccable cocktails. It is impossible to walk past this spot without feeling like you are missing out on something special by sitting up on the terrace or perched on the tables on the street.
The Courthouse, Newtown
Ah the Courty. This fine establishment was on the same street as our old office on Australia Street and so by nature of proximity, our go to for many, many years. We’d like to think that the Courty is actually a nod to the outstanding courtyard it offers rather than the fact that is down the road from the coppers. Great bunch of crew running it, massive meal sizes and just an overall top tier Aussie pub.
The East Sydney Hotel, Woolloomooloo
East Sydney take the cake when it comes to the interiors with its eclectic pictures, dark mahogany bar and copper nail floorboards creating effortless country charm even in the middle of the busyness of Sydney. This one has been around since 1856 and while it’s well looked after, not much has changed. An ode to the old. Kind of like us.
The Old Fitzroy Hotel, Wooloomooloo
Another oldie but a goodie just off the main drag of the Cross, the Old Fitzroy has all the charm you can expect from a pub with the word ‘old’ in its namesake. With a French - British menu and one of the best Sunday Roast’s going around, this one is always going to be a classic.
The Lord Dudley Hotel, Woollahra
This one is a bit left of field considering the density of WASPS that flock to this spot but because I love the Swannies, by default I love this pub after a game. It has that cosy, English gastropub feel to it with possibly the worst designed floorplan known to mankind for the poor bartenders but that just adds to it even more. My favourite part about this pub is that everyone tends to grab their pint and go stand out the front to drink it which generally encourages easy flowing conversations with strangers. I feel like these days everyone is so fucking scared to go up and talk to someone but here it’s normal and nice. Would recommend.
Bat & Ball Hotel, Redfern
This is our Thursday lunch pub, as they have recently reopened up the kitchen and damn it is good. It’s got free pool tables, carpet, and a smokers area that works in heavy rain. I would recommend the hot wings by the way. Good spot for after the cricket, good spot for after the footy, good spot for any day of the week, really.
The Cricketers Arms, Surry Hills
What would a list of our favourite pubs be without the mighty Crix. This place knows more of Monster Children’s secrets than any other vicinity in Sydney which should offer you some insight into the sessions we have put in at this place. In my opinion the marker of a good pub is how it balances the young crowd with the old and let me tell you, no one does it better than the Crix. Jazz Wednesdays to get you through the hump of the week, Chex Crix upstairs and the place to be in Surry Hills on any given afternoon.