There was a time when pubs were the domain of the working man – and women, let alone children, were nowhere to be seen.
Thankfully those days are long gone and judging by the whole host of pubs that have sprung up in Sydney with the emphasis on providing food, drink and entertainment for little people, families are big business!
Here’s our pick of the bunch when it comes to choosing the right pub in the Harbour City so that you and your family can have the time of your lives.
1. The Newport, Newport
Set on the stunning shores of Pittwater and nestled among idyllic gardens with a variety of outdoor dining spaces and bars, The Newport is a children’s heaven and a parents’ paradise.
The Newport’s diverse menus include Australian grass-fed beef burgers, ever-classic fish and chips, wood-fired pizzas, and a wide range of fresh salads but the kid appeal really lies in their ability and freedom to run around as well as play with one of the many games on offer.
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Think badminton, ping pong and a giant magnetic Scrabble board and you’ll have just one of the many reasons families flock here to enjoy the relaxed vibe.
Location:
2 Kalinya Street,
Newport, 2106
Find out more here.
There’s lots of space to run around at The Newport on the beautiful Northern Beaches. (Image: The Newport)
2. Woolwich Pier Hotel
While this pub whose views stretch over the water to Cockatoo Island, may not have a dedicated playroom to keep the kids happy, every Saturday between 1pm-3pm there’s a free children’s activities organiser to take charge of the little ones with a whole load of games on The Lawns. Feed them off the delicious kids’ menu afterwards and they’ll receive a complementary ice cream spider. Winning!
Location:
2 Gale St,
Woolwich, 2110
Find out more here.
The Woolwich Pier Hotel has a dedicated children’s activities organiser every Saturday. (Image: The Woolwich Pier)
3. The Ettamogah, Kellyville Ridge
The Ettamogah Bistro is open seven days a week with an extensive menu and indoor/outdoor dining and drinking facilities that make going out with the family a breeze. There’s an outdoor playground plus a jumping castle, rock climbing wall and an arcade so you get to carry on enjoying your drink long after the kids have had enough of sitting still.
Location:
Cnr Merriville & Windsor Rds
Kellyville Ridge, 2155
Find out more here.
The outdoor climbing wall is a huge hit with families at The Ettamogha. (Image: The Ettamogah)
4. The Ranch, North Ryde
The Ranch Hotel has built up a fantastic reputation for itself over the years. The family-friendly bistro is the core of the business with regular weekly specials providing an attractive place for families to have an early dinner and drink. A recent popular addition is the kids’ play area and arcade room which allows parents a great opportunity to let the kids play in a safe environment while they kick back and relax.
Location:
Epping Rd & Herring Rd,
North Ryde, 2122
Find out more here.
Kids eat free all day Saturday and Sunday at The Ranch. (Image: The Ranch)
5. The Henson, Marrickville
The Henson Park Hotel (as it was formerly known) has a rich and wonderful history with the folk of Sydney’s inner-west. The front bar is an honest working class bar, while the back area has undergone a recent transformation, paying homage to its art deco roots.
Best of all, the leafy beer garden has a large adjoining children’s area for families and children of all ages. The menus are pretty good too with almost everything made in house or sourced from local suppliers making this a real Sydney institution.
Location:
91 Illawarra Road
Marrickville, 2204
Find out more here.
The Henson has a family play area that’s perfect for little ones. (Image: Fiona Morris)
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6. Northies Cronulla Hotel, Cronulla
You can’t go past Northies’ stunning panoramic view with wall-length windows looking out onto the sunlit greenery and crashing waves of North Cronulla beach. The menus boast everything you love about modern Australian pub flare combined with a rich Italian influence and best of all, from 10am to 5pm daily, kids can roam free in a dedicated children’s play area. During the week children eat free with a dining adult and on Sundays, families can enjoy live music and face painting.
Location:
Cnr Kingsway and Elourera Rd,
Cronulla, 2230
Find out more here.
There’s free face painting for kids at Northies on Sundays. (Image: Northies)
7. The Greens, North Sydney
A bowls club with a twist, this refurbished bowling club is perfect for brunching as well as drinking. A café-slash-bar-slash-bowling club, with a garden party like feel where a sunset bowl is possible, and the Screen on The Green nights every Thursday make for a perfect family outing.
Location:
50 Ridge Street,
North Sydney, 2060
Find out more here.
The Greens hosts family-friendly events throughout the year. (Image: The Greens)
8. Coogee Pavillion, Coogee
Offering casual dining in a fun, beachside setting, the Coogee Pavilion is a great spot for adults with kids to get out without drowning in brightly-coloured plastic play equipment. The ground floor space is part marketplace, part hangout spot, and sports a stripped-back aesthetic complemented by the odd nautical flourish. It is the ideal location for family get-togethers, coffee dates or catching up with friends, particularly as you’re only ever a few seconds away from the beach.
Location:
169 Dolphin St,
Coogee, 2034
Find out more here.
Coogee Pavilion is a cool spot for adults and children to enjoy a beachside outing. (Image: Coogee Pavillion)
9. The Golden Barley, Enmore
Whether you’re just dropping by for a quick one or settling in for an afternoon, The Golden Barley will welcome you into its charming arms. The art deco style façade of the venue makes way to a leafy, expansive beer garden and rustic, long tables make this pub the ideal choice for lazy family afternoons.
Location:
165-169 Edgeware Road,
Enmore, 2042
Find out more here.
The Golden Barley has a lovely, shady beer garden making it just perfect to take the kids. (Image: The Golden Barley)
10. The Fiddler, Rouse Hill
Adorned with climbing vines, hanging ferns, and an abundance of greenery, stepping into The Fiddler is like exploring a modern wonderland. Boasting a sprawling network of bars, dining areas, and function spaces, this is the ideal spot to feast, graze, sip, and indulge any day or night of the week. All this plus exceptional food, a distinctive drinks menu and a unique al fresco setting to keep everyone happy.
Location:
Corner of Commercial Road and Windsor Road,
Rouse Hill, 2155
Find out more here.
Lots of greenery and al fresco drinking make The Fiddler a great child-friendly space. (Image: Little Munch)
