The only place to be on a warm afternoon is a sun-drenched beer garden, and these are our picks of the best all over the city. Words by Hannah Rose-Yee.
Have you ever seen a beer garden with a better view than this? Nestled amongst the treetops and looking out onto the sparkling water, The Newport is perfectly situated for a Sunday session in the sun. 2 Kalinya Street, Newport, merivale.com/venues/thenewport
Like The Newport, Watsons Bay Hotel’s beer garden makes perfect use of its prime positioning by the water. Grab one of the hotly-contested tables on the beach side and settle in for the afternoon with a bucket of wine and some seafood. 1 Military Road, Watson’s Bay, watsonsbayhotel.com.au
Small, but perfectly formed, this little interior courtyard inside one of Paddington’s chicest pubs feels like one of the suburb’s best-kept secrets. All that, and you can bring your dog with you, too. No wonder it’s a favourite of so many locals. 85 Underwood Street, Paddington, hotellondon.com.au
A haven in the middle of Surry Hills, this is one of the most popular beer gardens in the city. On the weekends, it’s packed with drinkers clutching onto Aperol spritzes but during the week is when the space comes alive, hosting outdoor cinema nights and events under the stars. 354 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, merivale.com/venues/theberesford
Since its recent renovation the outdoor courtyard at this swanky watering hole has become something of a hotspot. Within walking distance of the nearby dining district along Finger Wharf, it’s the perfect place for kicking on after a long lunch. 12-18 Nicholson Street, Woolloomooloo, tilburyhotel.com.au
Unsurprisingly, the beer garden at The Oaks hotel is dominated by a huge oak tree. Festooned with fairylights, it’s one of the most gorgeous backdrops for an afternoon of drinking, as well as serving the purpose of providing some shade for the tables below. 118 Military Road, Neutral Bay, oakshotel.com.au
This Double Bay establishment has a bit of a reputation, but don’t let that put you off what has to be one of the biggest beer gardens in Sydney. Sure, it’s best avoided on the weekends (and the dreaded Wednesday night when it’s packed with university students), but come early in the afternoon to catch a football game and for some of the city’s best pub food and you’ll be rewarded with a tranquil outdoor space. 429 New South Head Road, Double Bay, thesheaf.com.au
Laidback and easygoing, The Rose is one of Sydney’s great neighbourhood pubs, something that has much to do with its welcoming beer garden. There’s a pool table, long bench seating and a staggered indoor-outdoor area, all making this one of the most inviting spaces to relax with friends. 54 Cleveland Street, Chippendale, therosehotel.com.au
There are some seriously tropical vibes at The Balmain’s open courtyard, what with the big frangipani tree and the brightly coloured walls. It all makes for a fun, exciting atmosphere that’s a cut above your average pub beer garden. 72-76 Mullens Street, Balmain, thebalmain.com
Getting a table out in the Erko’s backyard-inspired beer garden is like being a member of a private club. It’s prime real estate out there, and people are known to dig their heels in all night with meat fresh from the BBQ at one of those picnic-style tables. Our advice is to go early or risk disappointment. 102 Erskineville Road, Erskineville, theerko.com.au
Palm trees and garden umbrellas are your friends at this courtyard, which gets some of the best sun in Sydney courtesy of its beachside location. It’s a deceptively big space, too, so even though it’s always bustling with beer drinkers it’s never that difficult to snag a table. 253 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee, coogeebayhotel.com.au
Corrugated iron roofing and beer keg seating make this one of the coolest beer gardens in the city. Nothing is too fussy or over-the-top here, just a great open space for hanging out at any time of the day. 91 Illawarra Road, Marrickville, thehenson.com.au
The Greens is almost more beer garden than pub, considering that most of this establishment’s best tables are outside, facing the bowling green. It’s here that you’re going to want to park yourself with a chilled glass of wine, with a view of the bowling action so good it might inspire you to have a go yourself. 50 Ridge Street, North Sydney, thegreensnorthsydney.com.au
It’s impossible to have a bad time at this no-frills bar, and that includes outside in the little courtyard. What makes the space work is the feeling of intimacy: it feels like you’re having a glass of wine and a cheese toastie in a friend’s yard, and not one of the most popular drinking spots in Redfern. 7 Cope Street, Redfern, arcadialiquors.com
