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Best drinking holes in Balmain/Rozelle

By CH // 18 December 2009 // Comments: 5 // Related Categories: Nightlife

Balmain and Rozelle are old working class suburbs with some great drinking establishments. As a resident for 3 years I have been fortunate enough to frequent many of them.

I'll start at the Town Hall, Darling Street, Balmain. Only because its the most central. Downstairs in the 'pub', with trivia, live music and barstools. Upstairs is the 'bar', with seating, a bistro and the balcony. A crackin spot to seat out and watch the people.

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Town Hall Hotel

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CH // Dec 21, 2009

The Exchange Hotel, cnr of Beattie and Mullens is a popular place to meet on the way into or out of Balmain, being one of the first or last. A sun drenched balcony and comfortable seating upstairs make it popular with the local 'trendy' set.

CH // Dec 22, 2009

Across the road from the Exchange you will find Dicks Hotel, a great place for a game of pool, to watch sports on TV, the play 2 UP on ANZAC day and to have a $10 steak on Tuesdays in the covered garden bar.

CH // Dec 23, 2009

Next up is a real favourite, The Welcome, a pub with an Irish feel to it that is genuine not contrived. The Old Spekled Hen (that's an ale) on tap does not hurt either, esp when you can get it in pints. A small garden bar, some live music, a big screen, The Welcome has got the lot.

CH // Jan 04, 2010

Now for one of those hard to find but worth the effort places, a back street local. The Royal Oak, beautiful exterior, companionable front bar, fireplace in winter, Sharerers Lager (mispelt) on Tap, a favourite and an extensive winelist for the ladies (try the 10,000 miles a brilliant Pinot.

CH // Jan 05, 2010

And if you have gone that far you may as well carry on down the hill until you reach the Dry Dock, one of the oldest bars in Balmain. Not a real favourite in real terms but isolated, charming and OLD. Plus Mort Bay Park just up the road affords a not often seen view of the harbour bridge.