Why This Sydney Pub Institution Is a Must-Visit in Winter

Sydney shines in the sun, surf and sand, but it has a cosy side too. As temperatures fall, the city’s pubs become havens from the chill on weekend afternoons, packed with locals enjoying a hearty meal and warming drink.

One such pub is Sydney Taphouse in Darlinghurst. The venue’s an institution in the area — previously the family-run Palace Hotel, first opened in December 1878 — but easily at its prime in winter. It’s got hearty food (Chinese cuisine), a cosy pub feel and specials and events every night of the week.

Here’s what those winter weekly and monthly events are — and why Sydney Taphouse’s a must-visit this winter. Not included in the below is Happy Hour, on year-round. From 4-6pm in Main Bar, you can grab drinks from $7.50.

Pride Month

First up is Drag Bingo, held on the first Wednesday of every month. Hosted by Queen Kalin Klein, the night blends the thrill of bingo with the glamour of drag. The night starts at 7:30pm with three rounds, followed by a break. The next three rounds are at 8:30pm, and the night then finishes with a drag show.

Tying in with the theme, Taphouse’s much-anticipated Big Drag Brunch is back for Pride Month. Head to the rooftop on Saturday, June 21 from 12-3pm. For $99 per person, the brunch gets you a welcome mimosa, 2.5 hours of drinks and a shared Chinese banquet. Queen’s Dominique Topp and Dammit Janet are on the entertainment.

Monday Noodle Night

Skip your post-work Monday night routine and treat yourself to some pub noodles. Monday Noodle Night starts from 4pm every Monday and features an exclusive noodle menu of six dishes, including sesame dan dan noodles, prawn XO noodles and ½ lobster noodles. Wash your choice down with Young Henrys pints for schooner prices.   

Trivia Tuesday

Trivia Night’s on every Tuesday at 7:30pm in Public Bar. First place gets you an $80 bar tab, second gets you $40 and third and fourth are $20. You can also win jugs of beer throughout the games. Pop by early for Happy Hour drinks from 4-6pm.

Hawke Chop Wednesdays

Level up your Hump Day with the venue’s $16 signature pork chop curry and $6 Hawke’s Brewing Pale Ale or Lager beers, part of Hawke Chop Wednesdays. The pork chop’s marinated in a mix of curry paste, eggs and secret seasoning before getting double-fried.

Chase the Ace Thursdays

Chase the Ace’s a collab between Taphouse and Grifter Brewing. Kicking off Thursday, June 5, the night’s got $7.50 schooners of Grifter Pale and every drink you buy from 6-8pm scores you raffle tickets for a draw. The jackpot grows by $50 every week until it’s claimed.

Karaoke Fridays

Kick off your weekend with Karaoke Fridays. From 9pm, you can grab the mic and show off your singing voice in front of a crowd. Or simply settle into a table with an ice-cold beer or cocktail and watch others belt their heart out, cheering them on from the sidelines.

Sunday Shenanigans

Sundays at Taphouse are all about Chinese and Irish food fusion, part of Sunday Shenanigans. The weekly night became a thing after the pub’s St. Patrick’s Day Spice Bag special was such a hit. Now, it’s a banquet menu for an affordable $34 per person. Available all day, it features prawn crackers, egg fried rice and sweet and sour chicken. Pair it with $12 Guinness, $10 Aperol Spritz or $15 Bloody Marys.

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