Turning up, ordering two schooners and finding we only had enough cash for two middies, our friendly barman obligingly let us get away with it, instantly winning our thanks and adulation. This pub was great already, and we'd only just walked in.
Three levels with balconies, pool tables and an eclectic mixture of decor, this pub is quite a recent addition to Sydney's line up of pubs and bars. Formerly a bank, the building is characteristically 'bank-like' when viewed from outside, but inside is anything but.
A quick trip to the ATM later (one thing the pub itself lacks), and we'd settled in quite nicely on the first floor. Being daytime, of course, we perused our purchases of the day in a friendly and convivial atmosphere.
There is plenty of variety on tap, served from some unusual beer pumps, including statues, musical instruments and assorted knick-knacks, adding to the pub's individuality subtly without appearing ridiculous. Yes, this pub could become a favourite of at least this segment of the SydneyPubGuide.net team.
We've yet to go back and experience the place on a crowded evening, but we're told it's usually full with a varied cross section of Sydney society, from after-work office workers, Haymarket and Chinatown shopkeepers and stallholders, backpackers, tourists and the usual flotsam and jetsam of this end of the city. It's also close to the George Street cinemas, so we expect a lot of people will be talking about the film they've just seen, or are about to see!
All in all, a worthy venue.
* Our latest has since confirmed there is now an ATM in the bar, and yes, the evening vibe is good!
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