Winter is coming, and it’s getting chillier every day. While we are lucky enough in Sydney to avoid giant blizzards and truly, literally freezing temperatures, it still gets a bit miserable at this time of year. It’s essential to stay warm and comfy, so here’s a quick guide to the best places to cosy up in Sydney.
1. The Duck Inn
74 Rose St, Chippendale
This Chippo pub is well known for its dog-friendly, people-friendly warm atmosphere and impressive tap list, with stouts and ESBs through to lagers. The food is up there with some of the best pub grub in Sydney, so get involved in the roast duck for two served with sides or one of the homemade curries. Curl up by the bookcases and relax, and keep your fingers crossed that a friendly retriever pops in.
2. Bitter Phew
1/137 Oxford St, Darlinghurst
Bitter Phew, hiding on Oxford Street away from the hustle, is all dark wood glamour and sexy warmth. Head here to sample some exclusive beers: Bitter Phew has 12 guest barrels on at a time, from both local and international brewers, and a pages-and-pages-long list of bottled beers in every style and from all around the world. Games night is Monday, so grab your boo and settle down into the sofas with a coffee porter and play a round of Cluedo or two.
3. The Hero of Waterloo
81 Lower Fort St, Millers Point
The Hero, situated in the historic suburb of The Rocks, has been open for 170 years, which is a long time to work on getting things right. There’s an open fire, an excellent choice of drinks, and if you need a feed, you can pop into the bistro. There’s live music too, with Irish band Green Jam and swinging jazz cats Old Time Band playing on the reg. If you’re lucky you might catch a ghost too.
4. The Butler
123 Victoria St, Potts Point
We know; an open verandah doesn’t exactly scream ‘COSY!’, but this Potts Point joint does winter well. The view itself is enough to get the heart beating, and heaters make sure you can tolerate the outside air. The menu is designed for sharing and offers tempting morsels that include the daily cheese section, whole roast shoulder of lamb, fried cauliflower with hazelnuts, lemon and ricotta and beetroot pearl barley. Wash it down with one of the signature espresso martinis.
5. Different Drummer
185 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe
This little nook, tucked into Glebe Point Road, boasts a fine offering against the winter winds. The dimly lit bar is mellow and buzzing at the same time. The cocktails are worth trying (our personal favourite is the sours) and it’s now offering late-night burgers on Friday and Saturdays. Sit in a quiet corner by the fish tank until the wee hours.
6. Play Bar
72 Campbell St, Surry Hills
Play Bar is not quite what you’d expect from the word ‘cosy’ – but it is. This small bar brings together art and music with a great drinks list (excellent cocktails and an extensive collection of spirits) and sexy eats. The walls are covered in graffiti and the music lineup changes from Afro-Brazilian to break beats and hardcore hip hop. The menu is all-American and is designed by the Nighthawk Diner chefs. Grab a Philly cheese steak (layers of onions and capsicum, beef brisket, cheese and lots o’ sauce) or nachos.
