Surry Hills has fast become one of Sydney’s most exciting suburbs, with a smorgasbord of shops, bars, pubs, restaurants and galleries on every corner and hidden away down every alleyway. With Sydneysiders loving a drink or five, it’s not surprising that one of area’s most popular attractions is its many watering holes. From trendy wine bars to relaxed pubs, there’s something for everyone when it comes to enjoying a drink in Surry Hills. Whether you’re after a small bar, a pub or a wine bar, here’s a selection of a few of the best.

  1. Small bars. The small bar revolution has hit Sydney, and Surry Hills has not been immune. Long gone are the days of the big Aussie pub, with Sydney’s recent Small Bar Bill resulting in intimate and discreet bars being a permanent fixture in the area’s drinking scene. The Surry Hills crowd and patchwork streetscape is perfect for cosy imbibing. For the best small bar drinking experience head to the Burton Street triangle where a trio of small bars provides a sophisticated drinking community. Enjoy the funky vibe of Pocket Bar, the warm fire and homely couches of The Commons or a game of ping-pong at Dr. Pong. For those visiting the area and looking for accommodation, Surry Hills offers a range of options.

  2. Pubs. There are a number of fun, lively pubs in the area that are popular with locals and visitors alike. The Dolphin is great for watching sport and grabbing a weekend meal, while the Beresford beer garden is full most nights of the week – especially on Mondays when free movies are screened in the courtyard. The beer garden at The Cricketers Arms is coveted territory, so make sure you head there early to get a table, while the Clock is both a local icon and a popular after work and weekend drinking destination.

  3. Wine bars. Wine lovers won’t be disappointed with the selection of specialised wine bars in Surry Hills. Mille Vini pairs excellent wines (available by the glass) with salamis, olives and other tasty appetisers, while The Falconer’s eclectic decor makes it a fun and quirky place to enjoy a laid back drop. The recent addition to the wine scene – The Winery – isn’t completely true to its name (serving beers, cocktails, etc), but is definitely worth a visit for a sommelier recommended vino in a comfy leather lounge.

Surry Hills is one of Sydney’s best inner city drinking destinations, and with a number of bars and pubs to choose from, it’s easy to roam from one to the other as the mood takes you!