Watsons Bay Hotel

Coming to this hotel, perched on Sydney’s South Head, on a sunny winter’s day wasn’t the most original idea I’ve ever had. You see on the day I dined, nearly 1500 other people also took in lunch, across the variety of indoor and outdoor spaces it offers. This meant even the re-purposed table of artfully arranged driftwood had been converted into an impromptu dining area in the white Donna Hay style space. With one person guarding our table, the other entered the melee for drinks and food; only to be advised of a thirty-minute wait, with many menu items no longer available. Several beers, ciders and Mantra Chardonnays ($13/glass) later, our wait had stretched over an hour, with the dining ambience spoilt by a crescendo of beeping buzzers. The buzzer system also meant our entrée of Sydney Rock Oysters ($23/6) arrived with our main of DIY Fish Tacos ($21), complete with barely pliable tortillas and all the trimmings. Even the coastal pub staple of Beer Battered Fish & Chips ($24) was a little lacklustre, bested by a bowl of Char-Grilled Split Corn on the Cob ($8). Despite a free jug of apologetic cider, I’d find it hard to recommend this one unless it’s raining, even considering the magic view.

Watsons Bay Hotel
1 Military Road, Watsons Bay
Ph: (02) 9337 5444 watsonsbayhotel.com.au
Pub Bistro $$-$$$