Woolly Bay Hotel

With views of sparkly Woolloomooloo Bay, this three-storey 19th-century-era pub already has a lot going for it. The Woolly Bay Hotel has stood strong through Woolloomooloo's docklands heyday and into its current, more glamorous era.

In 2022, thanks to the Laundy Hotels hospitality group, the pub had a $14M renovation, complete with a new Mediterranean restaurant and rooftop bar.

On the ground floor, you'll find the breezy waterfront public bar, which features cozy lounges, a central fireplace, and a discreet sports bar.

Upstairs is where you'll find the Mediterranean menu and a 100-person casual dining restaurant, led by Laundy Hotels executive chef, Jamie Gannon and head chef, Adam Holt.

To eat, you'll see things like lobster rolls topped with chives and smoked salmon pearls, an 800g Bistecca Fiorentina served with salsa verde, and burnt Basque cheesecake for dessert.

Finally, upstairs is Arturo’s Rooftop—a glass-enclosed bar serving up share plates, martinis, and slick city skyline views. 

Image credit: Adam Crews