The best pubs in Balmain for a cold beer and cracking feed

There are a bunch of great things about Balmain’s East Village Hotel, one of them being that the pub is entirely pokie free. The sensible old haunt is also home to a leafy beer garden, which is the perfect place to sink a few cold ones come Saturday afternoon. And if you’re not a local, the boozer is a two-minute walk from The East Balmain Ferry Wharf – and one ferry stop from Barangaroo – making it a solid option for a weekend adventure.

Once upon a time the Balmain Hotel was a little-pub-that-couldn’t-be-arsed but now it’s the something-for-everyone-colourful-express. Polished floorboards have replaced sticky carpet in the stripped-back public bar. And downstairs the old bistro has become a cocktail bar and dinner hot spot for bright young things and families.

The Bald Rock was built in 1876 and is still in its original structure. The walls are Sydney sandstone, the ceiling is pressed tin and outside there's a big courtyard that looks straight over White Bay. It's an extremely pleasant place to lose an evening, we can tell you that much. The hotel boasts live music every Saturday and Sunday evenings, and there's happy hour during the week, with beers and wines from $6.

Born in 1857, the heritage-listed Dry Dock is the oldest licensed pub in Balmain. And now after a year-long renovation, it’s back better than ever, with a rocking fitout, an ex-Rockpool Bar and Grill chef leading the kitchen, and a fresh drinks list. Staying dry? Forget about it. The multifaceted venue is huge (it can hold up to 330 punters) and is made up of three distinct spaces. The jewel in the crown is the Dining Room – an elegant European bistro with lots of natural sunlight and a lush courtyard garden.

Born in 1874, Dick's has long been one of best sports bars in the suburb. It has its feet firmly rooted in tradition, where locals are known by name. Cheer on your favourite team or enjoy a pub classic in the sunny beer garden. And if you’ve got a faithful friend of the four-legged variety that’s AOK: dogs are welcome in the open-air section.

Surry Hills has its own Cricketers, and so does Balmain. The old tavern is now under the ownership of publican Tommy Hall, who learned the ropes pouring beers at some of the city’s top pubs including the White Cockatoo Hotel, The Henson, and the Sydney Park Hotel. Located on Darling Street and established in 1872, The Cricketers is one of Sydney’s oldest pubs, but it’s been given a freshen-up so these days it’s looking schmick. There’s a dedicated sports lounge upstairs with six large screens, so you won’t miss a second of the action (except, of course, when you need to head to the loo and order a round).

Built in 1857, this old Balmain favourite is steeped in authentic Aussie beer-culture history; previous owners the Cooper family (yes, those ones) left their mark in its stunning dark woodwork and scattered Australiana. Secondly, you won't find many out-of-towners in the London – the hotel is nicely tucked away from all the mid-town action of Darling Street.

Located in the back streets of Balmain, The Royal Oak is a neighbourhood hotel with hearty pub meals, familiar brews on tap and trivia on Wednesday nights. Keep a look out on their socials for great mid-week offers.

You might recall the Cat and Fiddle's former days as a bit of a divey old pub doing live music and cold beers. But thanks to some extra care and a classic wood-panel and potted palm makeover this old boozer is looking sharp. Come on down on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays for live music.

A lovely old neighbourhood public house in the quiet backstreets of Balmain, the Riverview 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 at the matching red-tiled bar. The menu here is a cut above your standard pub bistro and you can put your faith in the kitchen.