Sydney’s best beer gardens revealed

FROM Blacktown to Double Bay, Victoria Hannaford reveals the best beer gardens in Sydney for you to raise a glass, enjoy the summer sun and grab a great meal while the kids play.

The Newport Arms Hotel beer garden. Picture: Supplied.

A COLD drink, a leafy aspect and the buzz of nearby drinkers: thereÂ’s nothing quite like the lure of a beer garden.

KIM BREBACH FROM BEST WINES UNDER $20 REVEALS HIS TIPS

Here are some of the best Sydney has to offer:

NEWPORT ARMSNews_Image_File: There’s plenty of room for the kids to play in the Newport Arms beer garden.

With fantastic views over Pittwater and vast rolling lawns, this is a beer garden to put others to shame and a beacon for anyone wanting to experience the best of the northern beaches. They’ve also got a jam-packed events calendar, so you can make a day (and night) of it.

2 Kalinya St, Newport, 9997 4900, newportarms.com.au

ROYAL CRICKETER’S ARMS

News_Image_File: The Beer Garden at the Royal Cricketer's Arms in Prospect. Picture: John Fotiadis.

With its sprawling grounds and seating that wraps around an inviting veranda, the historic Royal Cricketer’s Arms is the picture of rural idyll, only a stone’s throw from the bustle of Blacktown.

The pub began operating opposite the Prospect Reservoir in 1880 and, while the venue’s heritage has been maintained, the beer garden is a contemporary drawcard.

Licensee Patrick O’Sullivan says there’s a lot of appeal for families with a cook-your-own barbecue, deck area and play equipment.

SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE BEER GARDEN IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW

“There’s not many pubs like this around; the beer garden forms the identity of the hotel,” he says. “Yes, the building’s been here since it was built in 1856 but everyone comes for the beer garden.

“It’s got a great atmosphere, especially when there are some families out there. Dad can cook a steak and have a beer, Mum can have a wine on the back deck and the kids can play on the jumping castle.”

385 Reservoir Rd, Prospect, 9622 6498, mycricketers.com.au

THE OAKS, NEUTRAL BAY

News_Image_File: Beer garden at The Oaks hotel in Neutral Bay.

A favourite for anyone within cooee of the lower north shore, the pub’s beer garden is dominated by a glorious oak tree, originally planted in 1938. It’s a great spot to pause, grab a bite to eat and sink one of the many craft beers on offer.

118 Military Rd, Neutral Bay, 9953 5515, oakshotel.com.au

THE COURTHOUSE HOTEL, NEWTOWN

News_Image_File: Rene Hunter, Stevie Oxton, Frankie Gallucci and Lewis Buttle at the Courthouse Hotel in Newtown. Picture: Toby Zerna

If you haven’t been to The Courty, you haven’t really experienced the inner west. It seems all of westie life converges in the vast beer garden of this Newtown institution. Arrive early, snag a table and settle in for some excellent people watching along with your bevvie.

202 Australia St, Newtown, 9519 8273

THE GOLDEN SHEAF, DOUBLE BAY

News_Image_File: The Golden Sheaf in Double Bay.

This venue is reason enough to visit the rarefied enclave of the east. Throw on your finest outfit like you just casually fell into it and head to the beer garden filled with greenery; there’s plenty of space to catch up with mates, check out some sport on the big screens and grab a meal from the bistro.

429 New South Head Rd, 9327 5877, goldensheaf.com.au

THE ALBION HOTEL, PARRAMATTA

News_Image_File: The Albion Hotel, Parramatta.

A stone’s throw from the Parramatta River, the revamped beer garden hosts live music and offers a family-friendly spot to unwind over a drink or two.

135 George St, Parramatta, 9891 3288, albionhotel.com.au

THE SLIP INN, CBD

News_Image_File: The courtyard at the Slip Inn.

Forever known as the pub where Mary met her Danish prince, the city pub might not be able to guarantee a run-in with royalty but it can offer tasty Mexican food and good times in a spacious outdoor setting.

The Slip Inn, 111 Sussex St, City, 8295 9999, merivale.com.au/el-loco-at-slip-inn

THE HENSON, MARRICKVILLE

News_Image_File: The courtyard at the Henson Hotel, Marrickville. Picture: Craig Wilson

This inner-west watering hole has pulled off the pub equivalent of the mullet with a recent renovation; business up front and party out the back. While retaining its old-school appeal in the front bar, there are some tasteful quirky touches in the beer garden; plenty to appeal to hipsters and families alike.

The Henson, 91 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville, 9569 5858, thehenson.com.au

THE BERESFORD, SURRY HILLS

News_Image_File: The Beresford on Melbourne Cup Day.

An inner-city oasis in the heart of Surry Hills, the courtyard of The Beresford is leafy and lovely. Great bar food and cocktail jugs give the beer garden of this revamped boozer a sophisticated edge. A good spot for a Sunday session.

354 Bourke St, Surry Hills, 8313 5000, merivale.com.au/theberesfordhotel

THE ALEXANDRIA HOTEL

News_Image_File: Hawthorn fans watching the AFL grand final in the beer garden at The Alexandria Hotel in Redfern. Picture: Richard Dobson

As the never-ending march of gentrification continues through the inner city, it’s good to know that some things remain. The Alexandria has been around since the 1870s and has a huge, landscaped beer garden with big screens and has plenty of shade from tropical foliage.

The Alexandria Hotel, 35 Henderson Rd, Alexandria, 9698 1933, alexandriahotel.com.au