paddington bars

The Paddington

Bar

Like a cross between a pub, a bistro and chicken shop. Enjoy the rotisserie-focused menu in this sleek and sunny fit-out. If you've got a solid amount of pals for an event, ask for the private space, a magnificent frieze-covered dining room with a sun roof.

Charlie Parker’s

Bar

Like end-to-end diner Fred’s upstairs, this warm basement bar employs the best of the season’s produce on a menu that truly has something for everyone. Fancy something fresh and lively? Sure thing. Or perhaps a stiff, old-school classic? Right this way.

El Primo Sanchez

Bar

The team behind Maybe Sammy have moved into a heritage Paddington pub and created a Mexican-inspired bar all about good times. There’s a DJ booth, disco ball and a menu that riffs on classic Mexican dishes. Cocktails are a big yes given who’s behind the place.

The Royal Hotel

Bar

Four distinct spaces in a Victorian-era pub package. The brassy, stain-glassed Royal Bar downstairs is a great spot for a beer and some live sport. Upstairs the restaurant does upmarket pub classics. One more level, and you’re on the rooftop. You can dine year-round up here, thanks to some retractable coverage. But in summer, it’s rosé-ready – the good stuff is pouring on tap.

Busby's

Bar

An all-star cast has been assembled for this vinyl-spinning bar: P&V's Mike Bennie is on wine duty, Maybe Sammy is handling cocktails, and star chef Clayton Wells is doing food. The highlights? A fried-potato dish and BYOR (that’s bring-your-own-records) nights.

10 William St

Bar

Set over two storeys in an iconic Paddington terrace, Sydney’s most experimental wine bar has Italian swagger in spades. Come for pastas that are anything but traditional, and a pretzel with whipped bottarga that’s so spectacular it’s never left the menu. The wine list changes so frequently, you could visit three times in a week and never get bored.

The London

Bar

This classic English pub was founded in 1875. There are little Union Jack flags on the table and a menu that lists everything from fish and chips to dhal. It's a classic family pub, filled with dogs, daily specials and match-day Swans supporters.

The Village Inn

Bar

One of Paddington's old guard, with the doors originally opening in 1890. The current iteration is renowned for its weekly specials and the sunny balcony that overlooks Glenmore Road. Dining is typical pub fare (burgers, steaks and salads), but it’s well executed.

Bellevue

Bar

Bordering Woollahra and Paddington, this fine old boozer is one of the area’s oldest (it opened in 1880). These days it’s one of the best spots in the area to catch some live sport, with screens in nearly every section. The upstairs bistro, with its weekday specials, is also popular.

Palace Verona

Bar

One of the best places to see artfully directed cinema in Sydney.