East Village Sydney

The Verdict

East  Village is a 100-year old Darlinghurst watering hole (spanning over four levels) has been completely renovated and redesigned by Goodtime Hospitality group (the geniuses behind West Village), and it includes a wine pub, old-school gentleman’s sports bar and rooftop terrace (our favourite part).

Head upstairs to the Athletic Club and you’ll walk into a completely different decade. With darkened panelling, classic worn leather booths, a poker table and plenty of TVs, it’s a sports lovers absolute dream. Dark spirit cocktails and boilermakers rule the drinks list and they’ll even be exclusive club memberships on offer for those who are real fans.

Downstairs is a different story. The Public Bar is all about wine, glorious wine. Think wine-based cocktails and a hanging vino board that lights up when a wine becomes available (the selection changes throughout the day and rotates every week!). The food is everything you could want from a pub (but better), full of modern twists and total flavour updates.

The rooftop terrace takes a far more casual approach, with bright, summery cocktails during the warmer months and a light, fresh menu to match the unbeatable views. But come winter (AKA right now) they've transformed the terrace into a winter wonderland garden complete with a canopy of fairy lights, luxe lambswool throws and even a fireplace to keep you cosy. 

The menu has been given a similar treatment, with the addition of minestrone soup with root vegetables, a single-serve beef Wellington and marshmallows to toast on the fire. That's right, your winter dreams just came true. The winter garden is open through winter, Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm till 11pm.

Image credit: East Village Sydney