And we'll be keeping an eye on changes - Today's Herald mentions a crackdown on 'Binge Drinkers' at the Steyne, for starters, so changes are afoot, for better or worse. We bade farewell to the Old Steyne recently on a vist with The Curryrunners, a group of curry and beer fanatics, and all expressed the wish that as much of the old character be retained as possible, though remarks that some things could be improved hovered over the conversation.
We wish the new owners luck, and hope to be calling in soon to check out the progress.
review by: JasonThe drain embodies all that I hate about our drinking scene. It is the inevitable result of stupid licencing laws that ensures places like the steyne continue to expand, while the public end up short changed on anywhere decent to drink.
The Steyne now has something like 7 bars! Why not just turn it into panthers? Unfortunately being a Manly resident I can not avoid the steyne everynow and again, such is the limited choice in Manly. I must admit the steyne can be good for a fun drunken night with a bunch of mates but make sure you take a phone because you'll easily lose your mates in the thousands of other drunks wandering aimlessly around this giant binge barn.
review by: DextorThe Steyne is in a perfect location at the surf end of the Manly corso and consequently gets plenty of patronage from many visitors to the beach and surrounds. The realtiy for the Steyne however, is that it misses the point when it comes to providing a venue for people to come and congregate where they can have fun in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Instead it's cranked up to squeeze every cent possible out of each visitor. From unclean amenities to plastic cups, this pub is the low point of Sydney pubbing. Recently the owners have spent some money on some ad hoc renovations - more likely because near-by pubs have re-furbished than any desire to really improve the quality of the establishment. There is little misunderstanding in why locals refer to the Steyne as the Drain.
review by: danmaccThe Steyne is a well popular spot at the end of The Corso in Manly, catering to a wide cross-section of Sydneysiders from aging locals to young pleasure-seekers covering all bases in between. There's something for everyone here with several distinct areas - the ounge bar and Birsto, the Saloon bar, the sports bar, and the huge courtyard area. Our review visit wasn't our first, but it was the first at peak time and the place was packed with Manly kids spread throughout the pub enjoying the warm evening with friends.
Groups of friends mingle among each other - it's obviously a well-used meeting spot - and drinks flow liberally.
The Steyne has one of our favourite outdoor areas - it's a large L-shaped courtyard, split into two levels with a walkway rossing from one side to the other at first-floor level. big tables are scattered throughout, and there's even a hot-dog stand for those who can't go on without some sustainence.
Drinks are well-priced, and we found Cooper's at just $3.80, Newcastle Brown, plenty of British beers and cheap shots.
Being Saturday night, there was quite a large security presence, and Viv was stopped from walking through the club area due to a 'no shorts' dress policy. Luckily I'd brought him a pair of trousers, and it strikes me this could be a good policy for saturday evening drinkers who may feel like rocking on.
Recommended.
review by: pubguide staff