The Clare Hotel

Something of a student haunt, the urban myth goes that they once tried to refurbish the Clare and promptly lost their clientele. So they purchased back the cracked yellowing tiles, sagging velour couches in moss, tobacco and crimson, and the ever evolving toilet door commentary and the boozers came flocking back to perch on empty beer kegs out in the back courtyard-driveway once again. Being directly opposite UTS means there is always a group of endearingly scruffy young’uns holding court, and you’re guaranteed to see someone writing notes, sketching or typing away in one corner, because nothing says tertiary education like beer and study. The Clare is the sort of place where revolutions could have been started, if only the couches weren’t so comfy and the drinks so cheap. The seats are all arranged in massive groups so it is a good spot to gather the whole crew as long as you get there early to bags a place. Otherwise people here are friendly so just lump in together for the love of booze and conversation. This is a beers and spirits kind of joint, or if you aren’t too picky about your plonk the house options are inexpensive and generally drinkable. There is a battered pool table that is in high demand and the carpet forgives a lot of wild gesturing with drink in hand. High spirits means it can get pretty loud as the night wears on. If it all gets too much just pop out the back and pull up a milk crate for a breather or you can head to Chinatown for late night yum cha.