What was once a blue collar neighbourhood is now a desirable postcode with a family-friendly bent. It might not be the exclusive domain of wharvies and labourers anymore, but Rozelle still displays its working class roots in the solid collection of pubs dotted along its streets, and they're worth a butcher's hook when you're in the area.
Originally established in 1881 to service the drinking needs of Rozelle’s rough-and-ready working-class locals, the pub has gone the same way as the suburb itself and been gentrified to the hilt, but it’s a rich and sympathetic refurb we’re talking about here. No shiny chrome in sight: instead, the 3 Weeds is all dark wood, recycled timber, fireplaces, antique couches and a kitchen garden.
Finding a proper old-timers pub in swiftly gentrifying Rozelle can be a tall order these days but the slighty down at heel red Lion is keeping the time honoured traditions of the batller pub alive and kicking. The beers are cold and familiar, they do simple counter meals and if it's warm the big vernadah has the best seats in the house.
At first glance, Rozelle’s Ruby L’otel could be suffering from an identity crisis. But somehow the mish-mash of spaces, drinks and food actually works. The original part of the pub is all old-school drinking den, while out the back there is a beach-shack bungalow vibe going on. The confusion extends to the menu, which has traditional pub grub competing for space with dumplings and little tacos.
Rozelle is a legendary "pub-urb" but if what you are crying out for is an awesome craft beer selection, a wine list that'll keep even the most choosy oenophiles happy and bar food that is a cut above everything else nearby then head straight to the Welcome. It still has the cosy feel of its former life as an Irish establishment but now an incredible Italian chef is changing the vibe with gnocchi, calamari fritti and deep-fried zucchini flowers.
When the weather is making a poor showing hunker down by the fireside in these cosy Sydney pubs.
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