There’s no shortage of pubs in Balmain, but when it’s cold out, the best place to be is by the roaring double-fronted wood-burning fireplace in the cosy Lounge Bar of the Dry Dock Public House and Dining Room. One side of the fireplace has a comfortable leather Chesterfield couch, the other has cosy leather booths for two. The extensive all-day bar menu complements the wine list, which includes 36 drops by the glass. 22 Cameron St, Balmain; thedrydock.com.au

Woolloomooloo may be best known for its wharf, but it also has its fair share of excellent pubs. The ground-floor, trattoria-style public bar at the Woolly Bay Hotel is anchored by a striking central fireplace set on a rippled granite hearth, surrounded by dark leather finishes and timber joinery. The nearby floor-to-ceiling French doors also deliver waterfront views. It’s a cracking spot to while away the hours on a cool winter’s afternoon. 2 Bourke St, Woolloomooloo; woollybayhotel.com.au

The Old Fitz is the pub that time forgot. In a good way. Apart from the fact the bistro now serves more elevated pub grub, thanks to being part of the Odd Culture group, it’s pretty much the same as it’s always been. The banter behind the bar is just as good, the small theatre continues to showcase new voices and a spot beside the fireplace is still the best seat in the house come winter. 129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo; oddculture.group/venue/the-old-fitzroy-hotel

The Red Lion Hotel in Rozelle is 196 years young, and was recently restored to its Inner West glory by Laundy Hotels. It blends traditional charm with modern comfort, which includes crackling fireplaces. Yes, plural. 726 Darling St, Rozelle; redlionrozelle.com.au

This English pub has been family-run since 1979. and regulars hope it will never change. No sleek modern fit-outs here. It’s charming and cosy, it has multiple fireplaces and it’s definitely the kind of place that will warm you up from the inside out. Dig into a lamb’s fry with bacon, or an old-school pork pie, and pretend you’re somewhere in Leicestershire. 236 Jersey Rd, Woollahra; lorddudley.com.au.

When Merivale bought the Duke of Gloucester Hotel, affectionately known as ‘The Dog’, back in 2020, there were fears it would change. But the classic corner pub is still a welcoming local, with an extensive range of beers on tap, a bustling bistro and a cosy fireplace. 2 St Marks Rd, Randwick; merivale.com/venues/the-dog

A group of hospo locals, including Andy Emerson from Bar Elvina and Brad Jacobsen from Avalon Brewery, have breathed new life into the old golf club house. Royal Avalon has an open fireplace, a great pub-style menu and a heritage character. Avalon Golf Course, 32 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach (enter off The Crescent); royalavalon.com.au

What would an English-style pub be without a fireplace? The Duke of Clarence has certainly nailed the brief. As well as crackling flames, you get a room that wouldn’t look out of place in an English country manor, complete with upholstered chairs, walls lined with bookshelves and an aristocratic portrait to boot. It’s the perfect spot to cosy up for a cold evening. Laneway, 152/156 Clarence St, Sydney; dukeofclarence.com

There are two hearths to choose from at the Glebe Hotel – one will keep you toasty warm as you tuck into a meal, while the other in the public bar will keep you lingering for just one more round. As will the board games, which are bound to stoke that competitive spirit after a few drinks. 63 Bay St, Glebe; theglebehotel.com.au

The Newport may be better known as a summer venue, but its large outdoor fire pits are perfect for big groups. Rug up in beanies, puffer jackets and scarves and spend an evening warming yourself by the glowing flames with friends. It’s kind of like camping, but with plenty of freshly made woodfired pizzas, tap beer and cocktails. 2 Kalinya St, Newport; merivale.com/venues/thenewport

The blackened sandstone on the mantle of this historic pub in The Rocks is testament to how many nights the wide hearth is ablaze when the mercury drops. And if being ensconced in Sydney’s colonial history isn’t enough of a drawcard to seek out this famous watering hole, the fact that they brew their famous beers on site surely sweetens the deal. 19 Kent St, The Rocks; lordnelsonbrewery.com.

Slipping down the stairs to this moody, underground cocktail bar on Oxford Street feels like you’re in on a wonderful secret – one that means you get to curl up with a Cheshire-cat grin in front of the fireplace while you decide if you want something from the G&T menu or a fragrant, botanical cocktail to go with your Ortiz anchovies or steak tartare. Basement/380 Oxford St, Paddington; merivale.com/venues/charlieparkers/