The Cauliflower on Botany Road is a Sydney institution. Over the years the comforting spectre of the giant brassica crossed with a rake and hoe on its roof has been a sure sign you're nearly home for many Sydneysiders, and it's always been staunch Bunnies territory here. But change is the only constant, and the old boozer has had a full refurb. They've jazzed up the interiors and opened up a rooftop rum bar upstairs, but we like perching up in the public bar when they’ve got all the doors open and the afternoon sunshine is streaming in. The gentle country tavern vibes are still there in the sensible wooden tables and chairs, sports memorabilia, the trots on the telly and a refreshing pine-limey pinot grigio for only $7.50 a glass.
But it’s a lot fresher these days and word has spread – there’re more family groups than salty regulars on Tuesday evening. If you’re a staunch resident of beer town they’ve got New, VB, and SuperDry playing the old hits, but are also pouring craft brews like Little Creatures, Young Henrys and Wayward for the so-inclined. On the food front, all your classic pub grub is there for the taking, from your schnittys to your steaks and beer battered barramundi. But they’re also pumping out more novel bites, nailing Asian, Caribbean and vegetarian briefs in dishes like spiced Szechuan calamari, jerk chicken wings, cauliflower curry and roast mushroom tacos with chimichurri. Best of all, you can still get a cheap counter feed here thanks to daily food specials that won't break the bank – hello $3 tacos.
