Clovelly Hotel

Sydney's late ‘90s pub renovation trend of chrome and schmiddys was an aesthetic disaster from which the city has taken a long time to recover. Thankfully, more recent transformations have a little more class, prioritising personality, history and style over homogeny. The Clovelly Hotel is one that has looked to its past to move forward, taking the building's Art Deco aesthetic and keeping that theme running throughout the pub. It's seen in the beautiful lighting above the Lounge Bar, and the geometric blue colour palate echoed in most of the pub’s many spaces. To feel like you're near the ocean, take the stairs to the second level and out to the beer garden with views (of sorts) out to sea It's a good spot to observe the handsome building, complete with beautiful timber arch-shaped windows reminiscent of Play School. The Sports Bar offers plenty of TAB and betting options, and this is a Swans-friendly venue for AFL fans. The Lounge Bar is where to head for something from the craftier end of the suds spectrum and trivia on Wednesday nights. Once the Sydney sunshine revs up to full speed over summer you'll be hard pressed finding an opening in the beer garden, but early birds get to drink with the sun on their shoulders and the salty sea breeze in their hair. Hungry? The bistro adheres to pub trditions with weeknight specials like free kids meals on Mondays, $14 schnitzels on Thursdays and a $25 Sunday roast. Classic counter meaks, pizzas and carby comforts are always available, as is a glass of wine from a suprisingly cosmopolitan list (French pinot noir? Argentinean Malbec? Margartet River Chardonnay?) for a corner pub. Need a staycation? There are 14 boutique hotel rooms upstairs if you want a little beach holiday for the weekend.