1807 Botany Road, Banksmeadow NSW 2019
http://www.botanybaypub.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/botanybaypub/
https://www.instagram.com/thebotanybayhotelsydney/
Pub life since 1865
Pretty amazing to think this pub has been going since 1865. I've always thought this was an old man's pub but their Facebook advertises the place is under new management and has new food. There was a 21st birthday booked upstairs so they must be attracting some of the younger crowd. Gin & Tonic ($7) was reasonably priced and served by friendly bar lady. Southern Fried Chicken Wings with buffalo aioli ($16, 5 pieces) had a crispy and tasty coating and was generous enough to share. 300g Grass Fed Sirloin Steak with dianne sauce, steamed vegetables and mash ($24) was cooked medium rare as ordered and had a pleasant smokey chargrill flavour. Vegetables were nice. Perhaps a bit on the pricey side I thought considering the location and dish presentation but I guess being grass fed would make it a more premium product.
Handmade sausage rolls with chips ($5 kids menu) is a generous serve and great value. Grilled Chicken Tenderloins with chips ($6 kids menu) is also a decent size with well-seasoned chips. The Kids Menu mentioned free ice cream with ice magic but unfortunately wasn't available at the time which was a shame. The Deep Fried Golden Gaytime on the dessert menu was also not available which would have been great to try. There's plenty of seating both inside and out in the pleasant courtyard. For a saturday lunch it wasn't busy at all, actually pretty empty but that made it less stressful having the kids run around which was a positive.
388 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.universalhotels.com.au/civic-hotel/
https://www.instagram.com/civichotelsydney/
Tasty eats to share
In need of a casual post work drink and eat with the Mrs we headed to Civic Hotel. Gin & Tonic ($7.50) for me uses Beefeater gin as their house stock and the house Sauvignon Blanc ($8) is from Stonefish. Dip Board ($22) comes with a nice selection of tarama, tzatziki, eggplant dip, warmed olives, marinated feta, dolmades, served with toasted pita bread. It's a good sharing board. A generous serve of nice soft pita bread although a bit more would have helped to finish the plentiful amount of dips. The eggplant dip had a pleasant smokiness. Olives were decent in size and tasty. I like it when they're served warm. Dolmades were good. I probably would have preferred some halloumi instead of the feta though as I found the feta a little awkward to eat due to being a little crumbly. Bar service was friendly and efficient and the place had a happening casual vibe.
2-10 Darling Drive, Darling Harbour, NSW 2000
http://www.theportdarlingharbour.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/theportdarlingharbour
https://www.instagram.com/theport_darlingharbour/
Sydney bar with water views
“Oozing a chic, French coastal vibe across the contemporary and crisp open aesthetic, immediately transporting you to a summer oasis with water views and harbour front cabanas.”
In need of a night cap drinkie I checked out this bar with @plus1guest and @sydneyeventblogger. I was very happy with my Casoni's Negroni - Bombay Sapphire Gin, Campari, Sweet Vermouth, Blood Orange Juice, Rosemary ($16). The Gin Mare Gin & Tonic ($10.50) is a great gin to enjoy as a GT. Sydney Event Blogger was happy with her Havana's Mojito - Havana Anejo Rum, Blood Orange, Lime, Mint ($17). This bar is huge and when we visited we pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. Thankfully the balcony lounge seating and the cool background music provided a cosy area to chillax and enjoy the water and city view. Arriving just before 10 pm I was hoping to try their oysters but the only thing on offer was their sourdough flat breads at the time even though they're open til 12 am. Plenty of seating options throughout. Bartender was friendly. During the warmer months will be a great spot for after work drinks.
