Ten bars to visit in Sydney

In December 2011 I went to Australia for a month’s holiday, which bizarrely turned into a two year working holiday (I just couldn’t bring myself to leave so soon).

The majority of the time that I lived in Australia was spent in Sydney, and in that time I got to know the city – and the bars – pretty well. These watering holes were some of my favourite places to hang out, so if you ever find yourself in this corner of the globe I recommend you visit a few of them.

1. The Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks. Grab a table on the roof because it has fabulous views of the harbour, the bridge and the opera house. Go on Mondays to get a delicious steak (typically Australian) for $12.
2. The Baxter Inn, Sydney CBD. This unmarked American-style whisky bar has a great vintage feel to it. If you are overwhelmed by the range of drinks on offer, I recommend you go for a whisky and fresh apple juice. This bar also has unlimited free pretzels… love it!
3. Manly Wharf Hotel, Manly. Because who doesn’t want to sit and watch ferries while sipping your drinks?
4. 4 Pines, Manly. If beer is your drink of choice you will love this micro brewery bar. My favourite was the pale ale.
5. Opera Bar, Circular Quay. For those that are only in Sydney for a short time this is definitely one to tick off your list, pick a table outside and take in the harbour views.
6. Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney CBD. A pizza restaurant come dive bar. I loved being able to order pizza by the slice and pinball machines are always a winner.
7. The Beresford Hotel, Darlinghurst. A big, lively hotel (in Australia pubs are generally called hotels), with a great garden.
8. Bucket List, Bondi. As well as having a great name this bar has a great location, as it is right on Bondi beach, perfect for watching the surfers while you are enjoying a cheeky cocktail.
9. The Winery, Surry Hills. This was probably my favourite bar in Sydney because it is just so pretty! My friends and I would spend afternoons here in the leafy garden sipping wine, sitting on the white iron garden furniture and feeling like we were in a real vineyard.
10. The Dock, Redfern. This is one of those bars that made me feel like one of the cool kids. It isn’t a flashy bar at all, but has a hipster crowd and an array of fun cocktails on the blackboard.