Let’s play a game of Guess Who. Which historic Balmain pub was once owned by Aussie Olympian Dawn Fraser? If you guessed The Riverview Hotel (or ‘The Riv’ as the locals would say), you’re right!

Dating back to 1880, this ol’ gal is a Balmain favourite and with new owners who’ve shaken up the food and bevy offering, you best reacquaint yourself before the locals pitch a stake and hang a ‘keep out’ sign.

Downstairs it’s all about beer and old school pub charm – nab a stool near the big screen and cheer the Wallabies on as you graze through the solid bar menu which includes light snacks like olives and arancini to cracking fish’n’chips à la battered barramundi with crushed peas, hand cut chips and house made tartare.

But if you want fireworks, head upstairs to the quaint dining room to taste firecrackers from Head Chef Brad Sloane like Hay Valley lamb ‘neck and shoulders’ pie, ocean trout and scallop ceviche, and Cone Bay barramundi with fennel puree and sauce vierge. Do a number on yourself and finish with the Snickers sundae.

For the High Tea aficionados amongst us, pay a visit on a Saturday and delight in morsels of scones with jam and cream, asparagus tarts and chocolate eclairs.

Some friends just get better with age.

The Riverview Hotel
29 Birchgrove Road, Balmain 2041
T: 02 9810 1151
Pub: open lunch & dinner 7 days a week
Restaurant: dinners from 6pm Tuesday – Sunday, lunch from 12pm Friday – Sunday
High Tea:  every Saturday from 12-4pm