You’d be hard pressed to find a suburb with more personality and local pride than Enmore. Sydney’s Inner West has long been a hub for creative types looking for an outlet – theatre, street art, clothing, hair, tattoos, piercings. And along Enmore Rd, you can get anything and everything. Sort of like Portobello Road, when you think about it.
The Duke of Edinburgh was one of the institutions along Enmore Road – although a well trodden watering hole for patrons at the Enmore Theatre, you could certainly say it had seen better days. Well, the good news is that it’s reopen for business, thanks to a new name, a new look and a whole new team.
Say hello to the Duke of Enmore. The name says it all. This is a pub that’s proud of where it comes from and who its patrons are. The duo behind DRNKS delivery service, James Wirth and Michael Delaney, certainly know a thing or two about restoring pubs to newfound glory. They also own The Norfolk in Redfern and are responsible for The Carrington, The Oxford Tavern and The Abercrombie Hotel transformations.
When it came to the Duke of Enmore, it seems like a phoenix emerged from the ashes – hideous wallpaper stripped back, the beautiful old ceiling uncovered, a new floor and stained glass windows installed. Add their signature tartan carpet, and you’ve got a pub that perfectly balances on the point of laid back local and Inner West dive bar. It’s a fairly no frills space, with old school pub charm in spades.
Now let’s be clear. This is a pub with a classic locals vibe but very serious bar game. When you own a drinks delivery service that specialises in small batch, organic wine, the bar is raised. And they’re delivering. The bar is actually part bottle shop – they’re still tinkering with the range, expect it to be a regularly changing offering as we get the feeling Joel Amos, also from DRNKS, is having a lot of fun stretching into the new space.
Hyper local is definitely the name of the game when it comes to the beer – they’re good friends with the Young Henrys crew, and there’s some other good local brews on tap. The whole Archie Rose spirits range is also behind the bar – we’re big fans of their Coastal gin, which doesn’t pop up too often so grab it when you see it.
The cocktail list has all your classics, and a few new ones that are certainly a bit cheeky – we’ll let you check out the menu for yourself!
When it comes to the food, pub grub is still definitely on the menu. They’re keeping the locals happy with a solid vegan offering – the ‘salt and pepper enoki shrooms’ come with chilli soy dipping sauce, there’s an eggplant parmigiana with all the trimmings (fries and salad) and a cauliflower steak that has us meat eaters switching sides for the night. Carnivores can grab the ‘Steak’ or go for an ‘Expensive Steak’, and there’s also a heart Duke Burger.
The Duke of Enmore
148 Enmore Rd, Enmore
Opening hours:
11am – 2am
https://thedukeofenmore.com.au/
If you haven’t had a Sydney staycation, make it a 2019 New Years resolution. It’s like tasting Gelato Messina – once you’ve tried it, there’s no going back. Simply because you are worth it.
If you haven’t discovered the narrow lanes that are Kensington street, the hawker food areas of Spice Alley, wine tasting rooms, White Rabbit galleries or shopping at Central Park, then Chippendale is putting on an artful show you’ve been missing. A wander down to Brickfields Bakery means we you can take home a stash of freshly baked sourdough. If chilling is more your thing, our guilty pleasure is Palace Central Sydney – newly renovated having taken over the top floor of Central Park. Head to the Prosecco Bar where you can enjoy sweeping garden views. Platinum provides the full VIP experience, simply add a bit of Freddie Mercury Bohemian Rhapsody and you have the perfect afternoon. 
The best things about staycations are that at the end of a day of adventure, wining and dining, there’s no fight for a taxi or a long journey home. It’s simply the touch of the button and you’re headed to no noisy neighbours, no humming aircon, just glorious 1000 count bed linen, peace, quiet and mmmm what’s for breakfast?
Ahhh New Year’s Eve. That magical night when we get to put on our best sparkly outfit (or get a new one), glam up, and get ready to send off 2018 in style. But where to go? We’ve scoured Sydney for the best parties, dinners and fun ways to celebrate.
Champagne lovers should make a beeline for the Sofitel Darling Harbour’s fabulous Champagne bar. Start with a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Nature, then move onto the 2009 Louis Roederer Philipe Starck Brut Nature, exclusive to Sofitel (we have tried and its delicious!). Six courses then follow, yours to enjoy alongside floor to ceiling windows, the perfect vantage point for Darling Harbour celebrations. 
Inside the boutique Harbour Rocks Hotel, Tayim only opens its doors mid-December. Head Chef Ran Kimelfeld (former Head Chef, Nour) combines modern and traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. The go to ticket is the ‘Dinner and Fireworks’ package. Enjoy a cocktail on arrival, followed by a six-course menu with four premium matching wines. The scoop is these guests will be invited to experience fireworks on the rooftop of the hotel’s Harbour View Suit with Champagne to toast. Woo! 
Overlooking Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour, these glass window offer some of the best views around town. Margaritas on arrival, followed by a shared set menu including Totopos with red & green salsas, chicken tostadas frijoles and roast chicken in yellow mole complete the winning formula.
Want to ring in the New Year over the other side of the bridge? The manly Wharf Hotel knows how to throw a party. This year the music kicks off at 6pm with big names like Tim Boffa, Somatik, Kid Kenobi and Plump DJs keeping the night pumping. Settle in for a solid session – drinks, eats, dancing. Done.
The name says it all. Not really. The name doesn’t explain that if you’re after some of Redfern’s best eats, and a killer cocktail, this is the spot for you. Make a beeline for this refined venue just far enough away from the city to enjoy the vibe without the wild crowds. this fun, friendly inner city hotspot. They’ll be open as usual, serving up a brand new menu (the beef tartare already has plenty of fans) and keeping the party pumping into the early hours with DJ Cassette and Aaron Achurch. 
