The Union Hotel - Newtown

What the Union lacks in a pithy nickname potential (the U? The 'Yon?) it makes up for by being a downright genial pub. The main bar is large with plenty of long tables, TVs screening sport, a pool table, a jukebox and a bottle shop attached. There are no live bands and no DJs, making it the perfect spot for conversational drinking, and the large windows at the front are ideal for people-watching. The bar is well stocked, and serious hops lovers should come for a tour through their extensive beer selection, featuring a number of esoteric brews from both home and abroad with prices ranging around the $8 mark. There’s free pool on Tuesdays, trivia Wednesday and raffles for meat, seafood, beer and wine on Friday nights - the holy trinity of pub entertainment. Out back is the bistro, another comfortably cavernous room with a small beer garden attached. Here you’ll find another bar with a cocktail focus, and the Union’s kitchen. The menu features pub classics along with more restaurant-standard meals, nothing above $20. For a bit more you can try the daily specials, or just graze on a cheese plate.