One of the inner west’s historic pubs is gleaming after getting some love and attention, Winsor Dobbin writes.
So many old pubs are ruined when the renovators and designers come in to oversee “improvements”. Fortunately, that is not the case at historic Balmain pub The Dry Dock. The Dry Dock has been a long-standing fixture on the Balmain Peninsula, an area famed for its pub culture.
I was particularly interested as I used to live on College St before the Mort Bay project and the area’s mass gentrification.
A former wharf workers drinking spot, and a much-loved community local for over 166 years, the venue has a classic Public Bar and Sports Lounge, an impressively relaxed and stylish Lounge Bar, and a dining room with a kitchen menu created by well-credentialled chef Ben Sitton.
Established in 1857, The Dry Dock has been a much-loved community venue for over 169 years. It’s been tastefully upgraded and has an award-winning wine list (over 500 choices), but it remains a popular locals hang out.
We popped in just before Happy Hour, and were told to pay after the reduced prices kicked in. Impressive hospitality. Winter sees the thirsty offered heaters and blankets for sidewalk drinking.
Co-founder and managing director of Peninsula Hospitality, James Ingram, said: “The Dry Dock’s new offerings are all about embracing the seasons without compromising comfort or style.
“Our vision for The Dry Dock has always been about layered hospitality; spaces that suit different moods, food that’s seasonal and thoughtful, and service that makes people feel welcome.
“The new menu and outdoor dining area bring that vision to life for winter – whether you’re after a casual beer and burger in the Public Bar, cocktail or glass of wine in front of the fire in the Lounge Bar, or the full à la carte dining experience.”
We just popped in for a glass of wine by the fire before strolling to the old Thames Street Wharf to catch a ferry. The ultra-comfy leather “old school” armchairs scream out “stay for a session”.
The drinks list showcases classic cocktails, 16 beers on tap, a premium spirit selection and quality wine and Champagne by the glass. The bar menu also offers elevated classics, such as duck liver parfait, salt cod croquettes, steak frites and freshly shucked oysters.
The verdict: A dining and drinking destination that delivers impressive hospitality.