Set in the middle of the hustle and bustle of King Street, the Cooper’s Hotel is a textbook example of a local pub. You enter through the main bar, a large space with tiled walls and blonde wood fixtures that can feel a little gloomy if the sun isn’t going full tilt. Towards the back are the pokies, the TAB room and a small smoking courtyard, and TV screens showing sports are scattered throughout. The second floor contains the bistro and an open-roofed beer garden – bitterly fought-for real estate when the temperature rises. To slake your thirst you can choose from a range of draught beers that feature the usual suspects plus a few surprise additions like Fat Yak and AB Dark Lager. Plus all jugs are $15. Like any good local pub, the week is divided into a series of happy hours, tranny bingo, live gigs, tipping comps and televised sports. There are no bells and whistles. but that’s what makes the Cooper’s Hotel what it is – a pleasant place for a drink and a catch up.
