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Copyright Melway Publishing 2003.
Reproduced from Sydway Edition 9 with permission.
You can find individual streets by using
StreetDirectory.com.au
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Certainly a lot more open than it used to be, and a lot more schmick into the bargain, the chamberlain has had an extreme makeover from scruffy pub to slick city bar. What used to be two main rooms is now one big area with a curving bar intruding into the floorspace, high tables, lounges and barstools form the saeating arrangements and the crowd seems to be a mixture of young office workers and a few older patrons scattered around in quiet conversation.
As mentioned below, the heritage features have been retained, meaning the old tilework protrudes somewhat inconguously into the scene, a strange mixture of the old and the new. Not sure if I like it actually, but there you go. The bar itself? no complaints. Food is available, the gaming room is well tucked away and despite being so new it does feel as if it's developing the patina of wear which makes a place seem that little bit more comfortable.
Being close to the Capitol theatre, of course, there are pentiful flyers and magazines on offer for the entertainment crowd. Not many patrons look too much like they're off to see the Lion King tonight though.
Overall it's not too bad. a good spot to have a business lunch or early evening meeting over a glass or two of wine. The more open feel certainly makes it seem lighter and airier and the service is up to par yet understated. We think it'd be worthwhile coming back on a busier night, though not as busy a night as our previous abortive attempt just before the Christmas break when we could barely squeeze in never mind get a drink!
review by: JasonYes, it's back, and it's completely different. we're yet to sit in long enough for a full review (next week, honest!), but we can tell you the newly fitted out Chamberlain is now more in the mould of your inner-city, slick bar - no longer truly a 'pub' in the sense of decor. We'll report on the change shortly.
review by: JasonThe Chamberlain joins the ranks of closed Sydney pubs - closure noted 17 March 2003, though it looks like it's been closed for a while.
as ever, we'll keep an ear to the ground for news of re-opening.
review by: JasonWell, the Cooper’s was cheap. We at sydneypubguide.net are used to paying about $5.50, but here it was 4.40. not bad.
The jukebox was playing Lady Marmalade as I walked in, but it soon switched to Barry White, which while not much of an improvement was at least less grating.. It’s hardly full of life, but then it is Tuesday, and it’s wet outside.
My summary? Well, it’s a bit of a dive in the front bar – whenever I’ve been in the back it’s been a bit friendlier and seems a bit more plush (it's not always open). The clientele seem a little surly, a little quiet, mostly casual types. The Chamberlain quite a far cry from Mint or MPB, but it has a certain charm. It starrted to pick up as I finished my drink, but really made no difference beyond an increase in the general volume.
The stuffed dog (dingo?) above the bar seems a bit odd, definitely not my taste in decor. Let’s put it this way, it’s not somewhere I’d be making a regular haunt, even if I did live nearby.
The streets outside are quiet and wet. Think I’ll be moving on.
review by: pubguide staff |
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