One of my favourite pastimes in Sydney has become the daytime tipple.
When Sydney has a stupid amount of sunshine, drinking after dark just feels wrong. Besides, what good are these gooooorgus beach and harbour views when they’re caped in darkness and you can’t bloody see them?
Last summer, I shared a few of my favourite day drinking spots in Sydney. But, a lot can change in 12 months (we could cycle through at least three Prime Ministers in that time), and I’ve got some new favourites. I share:
1. The Fernery Mosman
When you think of elegance, sophistication and glamour, your first thought probably isn’t an RSL. But there above the Mosman Club is this rooftop bar and restaurant that’s full of swank. The Fernery is definitely one you want to wash your hair for.
This garden in the sky has a gin room, rosé bar and plenty of plant game. There’s views of Sydney Harbour, North Head and the CBD, as well as a food menu you can’t help but be happy with.
Now just backing the truck up to this designated rosé bar, and pausing for a moment of appreciation. The Fernery has half a dozen different rosés, as well as a selection of rosé cocktails, which use herbs straight from the rooftop garden. Cute. There’s also gin cocktails, seasonal wines by the barrel and other good stuff.
Yuh, The Fernery is a lunching lady’s dream.
The Fernery Mosman | The Rooftop, 719 Military Road, Mosman, New South Wales
Phone: (02) 8459 9410
thefernerymosman.com.au
Image credit: Pony Design Co
2. The Newport
The Newport has been sucking in socialites since 1880. But, back in 2016, the can’t-put-a-foot-wrong hospitality jugganaught Merivale gave the old pub a reboot, and it’s now beyond lush, with holiday feels by the jugs.
Market umbrellas, candy-coloured loungers and white wooden tables adorn the leafy outdoor deck that overlooks a pretty sublime scene of Pittwater. A Northern Beaches version of Coogee Pavilion, The Newport is monstrous in size. It’s also dog and kid-friendly, with a games room equipped with face painting, a bowling alley and every other possible under-12 distraction.
Choose what you want to peck on from a variety of food stalls – everything from seafood and pizza to burgers and salads. Oh, and I can’t leave without mentioning the live music and DJs.
The Newport | 2 Kalinya Street, Newport, New South Wales
Phone: (02) 9114 7337
merivale.com/venues/thenewport
Image credit: Merivale
3. The Greens North Sydney
Staying north shore, The Greens is an ol’ favourite for day drinking, lawn bowls and a perve of the Sydney Opera House. It’s the second oldest bowls club in New South Wales, dating back to 1888, but has had a revamp in the past – say – five years, making it a fun place for summer hangs.
The fruit-based cocktails here are worth a mention, with crazy stuff like the lemon speakeasy (Ciroc vodka, limonchello and lemon juice) and the watermelon lychee rickey (Tanqueray gin, watermelon juice and lime juice). Then there’s the epic cocktails-to-share, with the highlight being the Instafamous watermelon kegger (Ketel One vodka, watermelon juice, lemon juice, lychee juice and bitters served in a hollowed out half-watermelon).
The Greens | 50 Ridge Street, North Sydney, New South Wales
Phone: (02) 9245 3099
thegreensnorthsydney.com.au
Image credit: The Greens North Sydney
4. The Bucket List
It’s not quantum physics to understand why this drinking spot is a favourite for Bondiians. The Bucket List is as close as you can get to drinking on Bondi Beach without breaching the dry zone.
Back in EB territory, you can betcha honeybadger there’s a bit of Bondi people-watching to take part in, as well as some serious sun-soaking to be had on the outdoor terrace that’s fitted out with bright blue loungers and umbrellas. If you’re a red head or British, there’s booth and bar seating inside.
With DJs and live music, this cheeky beast doesn’t skimp on the atmosphere, nor does it short-change you in the drinks department, with jugs of cocktails and a handsome wine selection. There’s also a pretty decent food menu – things like tacos, burgers and salads – that will help soak up the booze.
This is one day drinkery you want to put on your bucket list.
The Bucket List | Bondi Pavilion, Shop 1, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach, New South Wales
Phone: (02) 9365 4122
thebucketlistbondi.com
Image credit: The Bucket List
Now we just need a rosé-filled calendar to count down the days until summer.
Love it. Reminds of all the good bits of Sydney. Ta.