The best pubs and bars with fireplaces in Sydney

The fireplace is a fitting detail at The Duke of Clarence, a  distinctly British pub and cocktail bar, tucked away yet right in the centre of the CBD. If a spot in front of the open flames and the offer of bangers and mash with a cask ale poured from a proper hand pump doesn’t scream cold weather comfort, we’re not sure what does. Beyond the crackling fire, you'll step into a room that feels like an English country manor with plush chairs, book-lined walls and timeless charm.

Address: Laneway, 152/156 Clarence St, Sydney

The Fitz has considerably more uses than your average pub – it's also a bistro and theatre all rolled into one. They also host short film nights, trivia competitions and live music. The joint houses  a gorgeous old fireplace – if you're lucky, you just might find some marshmallows to roast. Sundays in winter are made for their Sunday roast and jazz sessions – and they even celebrate Christmas in July. What's not to love?

Address: 129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo

There's few pubs in Sydney we'd want to hole up in more than the Hero. Somehow, you just lose track of time here. It's probably something to do with the low ceilings, Sydney cut-sandstone walls and Guinness and James Squire brews from clean lines. You'll also find three fireplaces roaring here – if there's live music, make a beeline for the fireplace next to the stage in the main bar.

Address: 81 Lower Fort St, Millers Point

Cosy and rustic, cheap and chic – this Surry Hills establishment is the perfect place to grab a Scotch or ale and while away a rainy arvo by the fire watching the footy with a toastie in hand and a flatulent labrador dozing at your feet. And while you're at The Crix, don't forget to check out the graffitied toilets.

Address: 106 Fitzroy St, Surry Hills

Sydney's oldest continually licensed hotel (since 1841), the Nelson, is a handsome watering hole if ever there was one: convict-mined sandstone walls built around a roaring hearth and microbrewery. Pick up a ploughman's lunch – or their Sunday roast – and one of their award-winning ales brewed on the premises and get stuck in.

Address: 19 Kent St, The Rocks

A lovely old neighbourhood pub in the quiet backstreets of Balmain, The Riverview Hotel is gussied up in the style of a classic British gastro pub, its bright red doors holding the promise of a good feed and a few tall tales over a Guinness, White Rabbit, James Squire, Coopers, or Little Creatures at the matching red-tiled bar or by the open – and very cosy – fireplace in the liunge area.

Address: 29 Birchgrove Rd, Balmain

This heritage-listed 1880 pub was first built to serve the workers constructing the Prospect Reservoir, and sits just across the road from the dam. It has an excellent terrace and back garden, but in winter, you're more likely to cosy up near the fireplace.

Address: 385 Reservoir Rd, Prospect NSW 2148

Forget everything you think you know about the Steyne – since it opened in 1859, it has survived fires, floods and rowdy crowds. But a massive facelift gave the once-troublesome hot spot a swift 180 and it's been smooth sailing for this Manly watering hole ever since. There on a blustery day? Take shelter in one of the window booths, toast your feet by the fireside and watch the breakers roll in over schooners of craft beers.

Address: 75 The Corso, Manly

Open a business in The Rocks, and it’s pretty much a guarantee of heritage sandstone and regular tourist trade. The trick at The Doss House has been to tap into the local history (in past lives, this bar was a hospital, an opium den and a bootmaker – and they make no secret of it). What attracts Sydney natives as well as visitors is its whisky – and it's even better when you're comfy on a Chesterfield lounge, sipping said whisky in front of one of its original fireplaces. 

Address: 77/79 George St, The Rocks 

A Paddo institution since 1889, The Lord Dudley invites you to enter the warmth of the Lounge where you'll find an enormous fireplace roaring to welcome you. Many a romance has blossomed here (including for heavyweight icon Les Darcy, who worked as a barman while wooing the licensee's daughter). There are more than 20 taps to choose from, so grab a pint and settle in – with one of its famous pot pies, of course. 

Address: 236 Jersey Rd, Woollahra  

This basement bar located beneath Merivale's fine diner, Fred's, is a delightfully cosy spot to settle in for a spell. In the cooler months, the lounge is warmed by an open fire in the front, where luxurious sofas become prime real estate. Grab a couple of snacks, a bracing whisky and get ready for a good time.

Address: Basement/380 Oxford St, Paddington

In 2019, after 157 years, the Australian Youth Hotel got a new name and a new  look. These days it's known as The Glebe Hotel – the lick of paint and an awesome new British-inspired menu are welcome changes. Thankfully, both fireplaces at this historic site have remained in tact, one in the front bar and the other in the pub's new-look bistro.

Address: 63 Bay St, Glebe 

"The Winsto" in Winston Hills has it all: an outdoor terrace, bar and dining areas (with a large wine list), a great sports bar, bottleshop – and yes, a fireplace. It's known for its good food.

Address: 170 Caroline Chisholm Dr, Winston Hills NSW 2153

If you're cold and thirsty and around Central Station, get to Dove and Olive, stat. The beers are awesome, the schnitzels are crunchy and golden, the weekeday lunch specials are afordable and the gas fireplace is ready and waiting to warm your toes at this excellent boozer. 

Address: 156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills

Enter The Bayview Hotel and you'll find heaps of room to move at this expansive Gladesville hotel. Our tip: aim for cosy spots around the central gas fireplace, especially if it's a chilly winter night. Should the need for a bit more action strike, there's a packed calendar of cocktail nights, trivia and live music, too.

Address: 166 Victoria Rd, Gladesville