The Local Taphouse

We’re in a good place with craft beers in Sydney now. And there’s no better place to try a bunch of weird stuff all in one go than the Local Taphouse. The enormous pub on the corner of Flinders Street is a monument to beer. Downstairs, the room is decorated with industrial lamps, big comfy lounges, armchairs and, taking pride of place, the big bar. Pull up a pew and order from the enormous by-the-tap list, which is around 20 strong. It’s all craft beer here, folks - get your VB and your New elsewhere. Can’t decide what to drink? Get a paddle and try five different beers for just $15. They organise the beers from least to most challenging, so you might start with a sweet, creamy Saison style then hit a wild ale. Think of them like natural wines – alive, and full of mouthy funk. There are plenty of tasting notes to read through too, or you could just sit back and not think too hard about it. Hungry? The Taphouse do a snack menu to pick at featuring the likes of olives, crackers, cheese and buffalo wings and if you really want to have at it, there’s a 12-hour shoulder of lamb. Head upstairs for the rooftop balcony best enjoyed during summer, or hunker down in one of the smaller rooms on the middle floor for a little privacy. Crafternoon just took on new meaning.