
Issue No 105		03 August 2001

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Review

Seven Pubs and Seven Nights

Labor Council's newest recruit, Susan Sheather, shows she respects tradition by going in search of the perfect bar


	Susan Sheather

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Ok, to be honest I've never actually visited seven pubs in seven nights. But for the sake of this article, for the sake of those who do, I'm using this opportunity to review seven pubs in Sydney and the Inner West over seven nights and explain why these pubs are worth visiting.

Sunday: The Vic on the Park, (Victoria Road, Enmore)

Why? Every Sunday, the Vic on the Park has Karaoke from 5.00pm to 9.00pm, the opportunity to win prizes, and flipping of the coin for free beer. There are, of course, a few regulars who can really sing, but, like any karaoke night there are also a few people (like me) who try really hard but don't quite succeed in the song they're singing (see: Just Jeans commercial where that girl "sings" The Locomotion). Not so busy that you can't get a turn, but busy enough that its loads of fun after a few beers.

Monday: The Summer Hill Hotel (right across the road from Summer Hill Station).

Why? Location is one of the prime reasons to visit the Summer Hill Hotel. Also, the fact that unlike many city pubs, this is a place you can breathe. The Summer Hill is actually light and airy. The beer is comparatively cheap and one of the best things about this pub is the bistro which makes absolutely delicious food!

Tuesday: The Oxford Hotel (Cnr of Victoria Road and Lyons Road, Drummoyne)

Why? Trivia and great, yet inexpensive food. I have had many nights at the Oxford and what a pub it is. I can particularly recommend the grilled fish and chips or the bangers and mash. Trivia begins on Tuesday nights from around 7.30pm and its free to enter. Great prizes can be won including (and especially) bar tabs and money! Just don't drink that bar tab after you win the trivia or things can get a little messy the next day. Trust me.

Wednesday: The London Hotel (Darling Street, Balmain)

Why? It's a great pub to chat to locals and drink different types of English beer which are stocked behind the bar. In summer its especially nice with chairs on the balcony. Its also a very old-fashioned looking pub and its worth visiting in itself for that reason. There is also a restaurant attached but I haven't actually had the pleasure of eating there. Its always busy though, so check it out.

Thursday: Trades Hall Hotel (Goulburn Street, City)

Why? Simple, it's after Labor Council and its convenient. In its favour are the pool tables and the juke box but it's also a great place to drink with trade unionists after Labor Council meetings.

Friday: The Bristol Arms Hotel - aka The Retro (Sussex Street, City)

Why? Ok, this might seem like a dodgy choice to many given the meat market it is, but this pub makes it for three reasons. Firstly, its now free to enter the ground floor (you used to have to pay $15.00) and you only have to pay if you want to visit specific dance floors on other levels. Secondly, it plays a great mixture of 70s, 80s and 90s music and its music you can really get down and dance to. Thirdly, happy hour. Drinks are cheap from 8pm, you can get a schooner for just $2.50. It's also a place that appeals to people aged 18 to 50 so there is a wide range of people there.

Saturday: The HQ Bar (Parramatta Road, Camperdown).

Why? This is a pub with down-to-earth and friendly patrons, a big screen which you can watch the footy on, reasonable drink prices and pool tables. It's especially good if you're gatecrashing a victory party for a football team and get to do a lap of honour around the bar with the trophy.

Those That Don't Make It But Should

The Bank Hotel (King Street, Newtown) - a pub with excellent Thai and also is just a particularly great atmosphere.

Unity Hall Hotel (Darling Street, Balmain) - this place has live jazz on Tuesday nights, and live music most other nights. One of the few pubs in Sydney which really has great live music and cheap drinks.

Royal Hotel, (Norton Street, Leichhardt) - reminds me of a country pub. Particularly good on Friday nights and its in the middle of all those great restaurants so its also extremely convenient.

Those That Just Don't Make It

The Gaslight (Mortlake) - serves weak Schweppes Cola on tap and smells like a pub I visited once in Temora.

The Orient Hotel (The Rocks) - Notorious moment: the barmaid charging $15.00 for two schooners. Plus those stairs are a health hazard if you've had a few too many drinks.

  What's your favourite watering hole? Pick a good one and Susan might join you for an ale!

  View entire issue - print all of the articles!

  Issue 105 contents

Interview: Whose Advocate?
Employment Advocate Jonathon Hamberger argues the case for his organisation's survival and reveals his secret union past.

Politics: CHOGM: What Should Unions Do?
Activists Peter Murphy and Vince Caughley kick off the debate about what is the appropriate action ot take when CHOGM leaders meet in Brisbane

E-Change: 2.1 - The Changing Corporate Landscape
In the second part of their series on the impact of new technology, Peter Lewis and Michael Gadiel try to understand the new corporate playing field.

Unions: Hamburgled
Jim Marr reports that the Employment Advocate has been handed a chance to salvage some credibility by cleaning up anti-union practices in the call centre industry.

Economics: Privatisation: The Dangerous Road
Frank Stilwell argues that the corporate collapses of HIH and One Tel are potent reminders of the downside of �people�s capitalism�.

History: Hard-Earned Lessons
Art Shostack looks at the legacy of the landmark strike by PATCO air traffic controllers 20 years ago.

International: Political Prisoner
Greenpeace campaigner Nic Clyde, facing up to six years gaol in the United States for taking part in a non-violent protest, speaks exclusively with workers Online.

Review: Seven Pubs and Seven Nights
Labor Council's newest recruit, Susan Sheather, shows she respects tradition by going in search of the perfect bar

Satire: Obituary: Mr Rob Cartwright - Captain of Industry
In all fields of endeavour, there are those who command our respect through their sheer commitment to excellence. One such titan was Rob Cartwright, whose chosen field, the obscure HR discipline of "moving people onto individual contracts" lost its greatest practitioner and champion late last night, following a tragic self-inflicted accident.

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» Protecting Children, Protecting Jobs

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» Call for Colombian Inquiry Into Murders

» Activist Notebook