Hive Bar

Walking into the Hive is like joining a community. The walls are covered in event posters, stencils and all sorts of paraphernalia, there are tables carrying the decoupaged images of laughing regulars at previous events under glass, and long walls carry murals made by local artists. Anyone can apply to have a go at a mural (painted during opening hours so punters can watch), and locals are encouraged to hold exhibitions here. Take a milkcrate down on Wednesdays for the Vinyl Club, where you can show off your tastes on 45 or 78, or wrack your brain with friends at Tuesdsay night pop trivia. The kitchen doesn't close until the bar does, and most meals are made to be shared. Fill up with friends on the zucchini flowers, the dip platter, pizza or mezze. The bar is well stocked, with the record-sleeve menus boasting a long list of bottled ales and lagers, including the St Peters Cinnamon Girl Spiced Ale, Doss Blockos Pale Lager, Coopers, White Rabbit and Mountian Goat, as well as Boston's Mill Pale Ale, the citrusy 4 Pines Kolsch, Illawarra Rust Pale Ale and the E'Ville Pilsner –  made specially for the Hive by St Peters – on tap. Cider fans can choose from 3 Oaks and Pipsqueak, and the wine list sports a nice variety of Australian drops. The cocktail list is split in two, with respectful classics on one page and Hive specials on the other, but even the classics have an extra flair here.