Best Cosy Pubs with Fireplaces in Sydney
Best Cosy Pubs with Fireplaces in the Inner West and beyond
When grey skies roll in and the chill sets deep, there’s nothing better than settling into a warm, inviting pub with a crackling fire and a hearty meal. From the Inner West to the city centre, we’ve rounded up ten of the cosiest family-friendly pubs where you can defrost beside the flames, sip on a glass of red (or a local brew), and let the kids (and even the dog) tag along. Whether you’re after wood-fired pizza, a classic Sunday roast, or just a good chat by the hearth, these winter warmers have you covered.
The Inner West
Public House Petersham, Petersham
Come for the pizza, stay for the pooches. The old Newington Inn has had a facelift – refreshed and reborn as the Public House Petersham, it’s serving up pizzas by the dozen on the weekend Inner West Mums pops by for a visit. There are nine pizza options to pick from (our fave is the prosciutto, rocket and balsamic glazed Rocket Man) but all – even the kids’ margy – are hand-made using fermented dough, and crisped in a custom built wood fired oven. There’s a fireplace in the indoor area but the beer garden, like most Sydney pubs, is where the action’s at on a sunny afternoon. Love a craft beer? Batch Brewing Co are neighbours so there’s a full range of their pale ales and lagers on offer. Kids eat free on a Sunday and pooches are welcome too.
292 Stanmore Rd, Petersham 2049
Phone: (02) 8587 6400
publichousepetersham.com.au
The Riverview Hotel, Balmain
Locals have been raving about the Riverview’s gastro-pub fare for years and after sampling their Sunday Roast of tender, slow-roasted beef served with seeded mustard gravy, a medley of roasted parsnips, jewel-bright beetroot, and a puffy Yorkshire pud, it’s not hard to see why. There’s a cosy nook with a fireplace in the Lounge Area, perfect for a celebration meal or mums’ group lunch, whilst furry friends and kids are always welcome in the informal Main Bar where you can grab modern pub classics all week long. Upstairs The Birchgrove Restaurant is where you’ll find a delectable Himalayan Lamb Curry and grilled Yamba Prawns. Pop in for a pint and stay for the live music (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) and monthly comedy gigs.
29 Birchgrove Rd, Balmain
Phone: (02) 9810 1151
theriverviewhotel.com.au
The Royal Leichhardt, Leichhardt
Up on the second floor, above the live sports and hustle of the main bar, The Royal Leichhardt boasts The Wheel Room – an airy, light filled room strung with paper lanterns and complete with a vibrant botanic print carpet where guests keen to warm fingers (or toes) can sit by the fireplace. Whilst you’re up there, wander along the wrap-around verandah for a spot of Norton St people watching. Or grab a passionfruit spiked PornStar Martini or a jug of grapefruit Paloma cocktail if you fancy. There’s also a tasty menu of jazzed-up pub classics like the Nashville Chicken Burger and Pork Belly with Patatas Bravas – and a private room (called the Private Dining Room) that’s perfect for small group get-togethers or celebration events. Tip: it’s free to book the Private Dining Room for up to 2 hours so snag it for your next family meal – with a load of toys you can enjoy an adult meal in a pub whilst the kids entertain themselves right next to you.
156 Norton St, Leichhardt NSW 2040
Phone: (02) 9569 2638
theroyalleichhardt.com.au
The Salisbury Hotel, Stanmore
There’s a roaring fireplace on the afternoon the Inner West Mums drops in for a visit – and it’s definitely keeping the chill at bay. Inside The Salisbury’s main dining room, there are families and couples in cosy booths tucking into Pie and Mash, and steaming bowls of Lamb Ragu Gnocchi (the lamb cooked for 18 hours). Outside, kids are scrambling over the oversize red truck in the courtyard and playing hide and seek amongst the bushes. There’s live country music each Sunday, a kids menu, and a Public Bar for when you need a quiet (child-free) drink or a game of pool.
118 Percival Road, Stanmore
Phone: (02) 9569 1013
salisburyhotel.com.au
Inner City and City
The Glebe Hotel, Ultimo
A historic pub with a new fit-out serving Brit-style eats and pooch friendly areas, what’s not to love? Glebe locals may recall this as the Australian Youth Hotel, in its new incarnation its kept its charming heritage touches including a bank of leather chesterfields flanking a roaring fireplace, but now boasts gastro-pub fare in the more formal Stables Gar & Grill – think twice cooked Berkshire Pork Belly and baked whole baby snapper. Pub classics are available in the Beer Garden and Main Bar and kids eat free on Saturday lunch. Tip: The Glebe does a lovely Sunday roast – but get in quick as it’s first come, best dressed.
63 Bay Street, Glebe, Sydney, NSW 2037
Phone: (02) 9692 0414
theglebehotel.com.au
The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, The Rocks
Sydney’s oldest continually licensed pub (since 1841!), The Lord Nelson oozes charm and history – and it’s proudly pokies-free. Families will love the relaxed vibe in the public bar, the crackling fireplace, and the award-winning house-brewed ales (for the grown-ups, of course). With British-style comfort food like pie and mushy peas, and a newly refurbished upstairs dining room serving everything from momo dumplings to steak frites, there’s something for everyone. Bonus: boutique accommodation upstairs and a few friendly ghost stories for curious kids!
19 Kent St, The Rocks
Phone: (02) 9251 4044
thelordnelsonbrewery.com
The Duke of Clarence, CBD
Tucked down a laneway in the heart of the city, The Duke of Clarence brings a slice of old-world England to Sydney. With antique furnishings, a roaring fireplace and traditional British fare (think pies, ploughman’s boards and even fish-finger sandwiches), it’s cosy, charming and full of character. The library lounge is perfect for a relaxed lunch with the kids or a low-key family celebration. Bonus: their punch bowls serve six and there’s even cask ale on tap. It’s a little more refined than your average pub, but still warm, welcoming and full of heart.
Laneway, 152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney
Phone: (02) 8999 3850
thedukeofclarence.com
The Old Fitzroy, Woolloomooloo
A Sydney gem, The Old Fitz has been pouring pints and serving up character for over 150 years. Now lovingly refreshed by the Odd Culture team, this historic pub still oozes old-world charm—with a cosy front bar, crackling atmosphere, and a revamped bistro serving comfort food with serious flair (think duck croquettes and Sunday roasts with jazz). Families will love the new 100-seat outdoor dining area, and the relaxed, welcoming vibe makes it perfect for a long lunch or early dinner with the kids. Bonus: there’s a working theatre downstairs supporting emerging local talent.
129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo
Phone: (02) 8317 3057
the-old-fitzroy-hotel
The Dove and Olive, Surry Hills
Known for serving up one of Sydney’s best Sunday roasts, complete with Yorkshire pudding, it’s fitting the Dove and Olive kicks off our list of cosy pubs with fireplaces. But this large multi-room, family-friendly pub, adorned with quirky moose-heads and antler chandeliers, is that unicorn of the pub world: an all-occasion venue. Cosy mid-week meal with the family? Pick a quiet table near the fireplace. Bigger family get-together or planning a celebration? Grab a long wooden table or book a function room for your own private space (there are options for groups ranging from 10 to 150 and more). Catching a show at the Belvoir Theatre? Snag a mid-week meal deal – they come out quick and fast. Fancy a craft beer? No worries, there are 25 on tap. With a decent kids menu and daily deals, this is one local that’s worth the visit.
156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills
Phone: (02) 9699 6001
doveandolive.com.au
The Duck Inn, Chippendale
There’s a cosy faux library, rustic wooden floorboards, a scattering of bright cushions and the type of farmhouse shabby-chic furniture that wouldn’t look amiss on Brit country drama. And the vibe – family and pet friendly – is just as welcoming and warm. Grab a stool at the wide bar if you’re coming in solo, or a spot in one of upholstered banquettes if you’re heading in with your brood, and tuck into some pulled beef tacos or the slow cooked lamb shanks. For Bigger groups, or an informal event, there are share platters that make catering a breeze – pick from seafood, charcuterie meats, dips and cheese. All kids meals come with free apple or orange juice and there’s a beer garden made for sunny arvos (and antsy kids) out the back.
74 Rose St, Chippendale
Phone: (02) 9008 7617
duckinnchippendale.com.au
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Looking for more family-friendly Inner West pubs? Check out our list of the Inner West’s most friendly pubs and clubs here.
Just been to a cosy Inner West pub that’s not on our list? Leave a comment or email us at info@theinnerwestmums.com.au
This article was first published in 2023 and updated in May 2025.
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