The Local guide: Paddo pubs

Almost as soon as Paddington became a suburb in 1839, pubs began springing up. Delve into the area’s history and discover that many prominent corner terraces were once taverns — the axiom that there was a pub on every corner being virtually true. While many of these have been lost in time, it remains that Paddington has more than its fair share of grand, historic and beautiful public houses. In 2020, Woollahra Council proposed heritage-listing seven Paddo watering holes — The Bellevue, The Grand National, The London, The Paddington, The Paddo Inn, The Imperial and The Unicorn, perhaps stamping these as the pick of the Paddo bunch (even though The Grand National is presently closed pending conversion into boutique accommodation with pub attached). These may be the lucky seven but find, too, other treasures including Five Ways’ majestic Royal Hotel with its soaring views, the Four in Hand (105 Sutherland St), a hidden treasure off the main drag, the Art Deco Light Brigade (corner Oxford St and Jersey Rd, Woollahra) and the grand old Lord Dudley (236 Jersey Rd, Woollahra). The Village Inn, said to be Paddo’s oldest pub (it operated for 150 years as the Rose and Crown) is as cute as a button, and along Oxford St find pubs that are bastions of gay Sydney including The Stonewall (175 Oxford St, Darlinghurst) and The Colombian (117 Oxford St, Darlinghurst).

The Paddo Inn 

With open windows on to Oxford St, this cheerful pub has been one of Paddo’s favourite watering holes for generations. So relaxed you can take your dog in as you have a drink, the front bar traditionally has been where the action takes place. The recent addition of Il Baretto restaurant (ex-Crown St, Surry Hills) has brought new life into the lovely restaurant space at the rear.

388 Oxford St; paddoinn.com.au

The London 

This cavernous corner pub, built in 1875, is one the area’s oldest hotels and remains one of its most atmospheric. Sit in the lofty public bar and imagine how generations of Paddington folk have used the space for almost 150 years. There are modernisations including a bustling leafy restaurant out the back, but the sense of history remains etched into the place. 

85 Underwood St; hotellondon.com.au

The Royal 

Another of Paddington’s grand pubs, this heritage beauty boasts one of the best positions in the neighbourhood. Perched above Five Ways, with views towards the harbour and city, the Royal offers an outstanding location for whiling away lazy afternoons in the sun. The recently refurbished public bars are also popular. 

237 Glenmore Rd;  royalhotel.com.au

The Paddington 

Once rundown and struggling, this Gothic-looking pub had a bleak future until it was purchased by restaurant baron Justin Hemmes and his Merivale group. An epic transformation has seen The Paddington become one of the busiest and most-loved pubs and dining rooms in Sydney. Go for beers enjoyed with rotisserie-cooked chooks in beautifully restored surrounds. 

384 Oxford St; merivale.com/venues/thepaddington

The Unicorn 

The Unicorn has always been a bit different. Although its heritage stretches back to the 1880s, it was rebuilt by the Tooth and Co brewery in 1941, hence its stately Art Deco facade. These days the Unicorn has set itself apart from Paddington’s other heritage hotels by going a bit rock’n’roll. Loud pub rock music plays and the menu pays homage to the counter meal of the 80s via dishes such as schnitty, steak sandwiches and Jatz’n’dip. 

106 Oxford St ; theunicornhotel.com.au

The Bellevue 

For more than 130 years the Bellevue has been serving cold beers to thirsty customers on Hargrave St. With its distinctive green tiles and white-painted frontage it has a quintessential Sydney pub look and feel, and a dedicated local clientele to match. Pop in with mates to watch the footy or have a quality pub meal.

159 Hargrave St; bellevuehotel.com.au

The Village Inn 

Another of Paddington’s historic pubs (its heritage dates to 1870), this cute-as-a- button little hotel has been meticulously restored and made beautiful. With its wrought-iron balcony and blooming hanging plants, it has a quaint terrace feel and footpath seating to watch the fashion crowd shop nearby at The Intersection.

 9-11 Glenmore Rd ; parlourgroup.com.au/thevillageinn

The Imperial

The red turrets of this stately hotel on Oxford St are instantly recognisable as you approach. Recently reopened after having closed for nine months due to Covid-19 restrictions, The Imperial is a local’s favourite with plenty to love, including craft beers and steaks fresh off the owner’s own Southern Highlands farm.

252 Oxford St; imperialhotelpaddington.com.au

This is an edited extract from Paddo Trails: a guided tour of Paddington, available for free at Journals (2 Heeley St, Paddington). Paddo Trails is a co-production of Visit Paddington, Local Publishing Co, Woollahra Council and City of Sydney.

visitpaddington.com