East Sydney, Inner East - SydneyPubGuide.net - The best pubs in Sydney, NSW

We've had a soft spot for the East Sydney for some time now. It's a good solid, honest little local pub, full of interest and character, and best of all it really doesn't change a lot. Out for a bit of a drive at about 10pm we passed places which have seen a lot of change over the last couple of years - the Strand, The Woollahra Hotel (no decor change, but the scene shifted), Kity O'Shea's (deceased) and finally pulled up outside the East Sydney for a quiet one before going home Eschewing the front bar for a change, we headed out back to smack some pool balls around with bendy cues and listen to 80s rock on the Jukebox. Well why not? we had the room to ourselves. Solid mainstays Cooper's and James Squire were downed while designated driver Will stuck to the softies. for a Wednesday night the place wasn't too bad. enough room out front to move your elbows, enough people to keep the conversational buzz going. An artist's group in the corner discussing new works and the old locals propped up at the bar. Marvellous. now THIS is how a pub is meant to be.
review by: Jason

It's a quintessential corner location, just up the hill from Woolloomooloo or just down the hill from William Street. Crown Street is brisk, but not as busy as it would have been pre-distributor, so now it's pleasant to sit outside the East Sydney supping James Squire Amber Ale and watching the world go by. Inside it's small, but friendly. locals prop up the bar and the bar staff are far more down-to-earth than most places these days. You don't get your change on a little silver plate here, I'll tell you that. Very much a no-bull pub, and proud of it.
review by: pubguide staff