The Ten Best Winter Bars in Sydney

It would be easy to throw around some winter cliches to entice you along to these establishments. You might be looking for winter warmers and toasty treats, and maybe that's what these fun and funky places can provide. But they also offer so much more. These bars will take you in their arms and shelter you from the cold, the freezing winds and pelting rain, and provide a cosy environment in which to imbibe your favourite beverage. They'll make winter feel like the perfect season, because it brought you here.

So if you want to throw off your Snuggie and get out of the house these winter evenings, here are Concrete Playground's best winter bevvy spots.

THE WILD ROVER

If there's anyone who knows how to do cold, it's the Irish. The boys behind Grandma's injected a bit of craic into Sydney's bar scene with their second venture, The Wild Rover. Cosy, low-lit and with over 20 Irish whiskeys for the sampling, it's two levels of Irish hospitality equally fit for your mum as your boozy mates. Or your boozy mum. For the budding whiskey connoisseur, order the Clontarf trilogy flight (3 x 20ml pours for $19). If you are brave at heart, there is some Knockeen Hills poteen, also known as Irish moonshine, (70%) with your name on it.

77 Campbell Street, Surry Hills

LOBO PLANTATION

Cushy couches, warming Cuban food and a selection of drinks that are literally on fire — Lobo Plantation is winter, colonial Caribbean style. Slightly hidden below Clarence Street via a winding staircase, the Lobo is a lot bigger than you'd expect. The deep red and green decor paired with recycled dark wood and floral furniture is delightfully welcoming, while the fine use of space and overall attention to detail makes the relative newbie seem like a long-loved establishment. There's a staggering collection of rums, wines (plus in-house sommelier) and the usual favourites.

209 Clarence Street, Sydney

THE LORD DUDLEY

The Lord Dudley Hotel is a slice of Old Blighty in Paddington; a mock Tudor-like building complete with a creeping vine-covered exterior. Inside, a rabbit warren of adjoining rooms awaits. The maroon-carpeted floors sink in all the right places, historied hollows ploughed by a steady stream of drinkers. A circular bar connects the main bar to two smaller service areas, including a separate nook for darts. At the rear a lamp-lit, timber-panelled lounge is furnished with booth-style tables, each with seating for four (or six skinny types). Importantly, there's a fireplace — winter's saving grace — to sit at while you down your pub grub and play some board games.

263 Jersey Road, Woollahra

THE TEMPERANCE SOCIETY

The Temperance Society is a lot like a family lounge room for the suburb of Summer Hill. There's lots of intimate rooms and cosy corners for cuddling up in, big Chesterfield lounges, great heating and the smell of rich mahogany — even books of you just want to cosy up and read. Upstairs there's a brightly wallpapered library filled with Chesterfield lounges, leather-bound books and the smell of rich mahogany. Though drinks are generally very affordable here, the star of the spirits list is the Sullivan's Cove ($68), a luxury small batch whisky recently named best Australian single malt at the World Whiskies Awards. You might need to have a few drinks first before you're convinced to hand over the cash.

BAXTER INN

The Baxter Inn is a twist on the theme that Shady Pines established, focusing on the ultimate cult alcohol: whiskey. The shelves of whiskey stacked behind the bar are accessed via a ladder on wheels: there's literally a library of the stuff in here. In fact, there's over 300 to pick and choose from, and no doubt the bartenders know each and every one. The decor is turn-of-the-century father's study, and the joint is hidden off the street. To find it, either go with someone in the know, or look for the line of people curving out of a hole in the wall.

152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney

OLD GROWLER

In the summer, beers call for barbecues and open sky. In the winter, beers call for the Old Growler. Part Italian trattoria, part industrial saloon, its cavern-like belly of exposed brick walls and ornate arches gives way to a wraparound bar which beckons you to pull up a stool the minute you walk in. Let head barman Gerome Delosreyes pour you a hops-infused cocktail or a pint of Young Henry's beer.

216-218 William Street, Woolloomooloo

HERO OF WATERLOO

One of Sydney's oldest pubs, the Hero lets you time travel and sip a beer at the same time. Within these sandstone walls, listening to the lilting tones of the Irish bar staff, it doesn't feel difficult to reach out to your own, or someone else's, colonial ancestor. That said, there's more than that to stimulate the imagination. Join in a Saturday night sing-along held around the old piano or sneak a look at the tunnel that runs from the hotel's maze of cellars to the harbour, safe as you are from any shanghaiing techniques.

81 Lower Fort Street, The Rocks

MR FALCON'S

The best part of Mr Falcon's is undoubtedly the atmosphere. This large venue is like a big old house, with separate nooks and rooms for an intimate drink. It's so relaxing you feel as if you could almost curl up and have a nap on one of the couches. To keep you awake, there are lava lamps, mulled wine and Monday night screenings of Game of Thrones. No need to worry about spoilers in this crowd.

92 Glebe Point Road, Glebe

CRICKETERS ARMS HOTEL

A reliable local, the Crix works both summer and winter well. The outside courtyard, brimming with plants and wooden tables, is good reason to stake out a spot in the warmer months. In winter, a fireplace is always lit, surrounded by cosy lounges and more tables. It's a beautiful old pub, boasting wooden floors and wall tiles, a laidback atmosphere, and plenty of character.

106 Fitzroy Street, Surry Hills. Image: 02 08 2014 via photopin (license).

THE FOXTROT

You could easily miss the almost unmarked Gothic doors on Falcon Street that hide the darkened entryway to one of the city's most exciting hidden playgrounds. You'd kick yourself if you did. The Foxtrot is much like the whisky that it showcases: smooth and gratifying, with a wickedly delicious aftertaste. There are some interesting spaces to explore, including an indoor courtyard and a carpeted living room complete with a working fireplace. The 'Gentleman's List' of classy concoctions (no sexism intended, we are assured) is impressively curated. Our favourite, Josie's Well, is named for the main water source of the Glenlivet distillery and features 12-year-old Glenlivet with Poire Williams, Lillet Blanc and Aztec chocolate bitters ($19).

28 Falcon Street, Crows Nest

By the Concrete Playground team.

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