The Marlborough Hotel

The Marly, as it’s affectionately known among the horde of residents that count it as a local, is a sprawling two-story Newtown landmark with the distinction of being the first pub on King Street. The ground floor consists of a main bar, a small bistro area with a nice courtyard, the requisite pokie room, a separate TAB room for those more flippant with their cash, and a bottle shop. Swankily decorated throughout, it’s a genial spot during the day if the sun is shining. There are plenty of TVs for mid-afternoon sport, a well-stocked - if standard - bar with a range of Aussie wines, and a cocktail selection starting at around $10. If you’re part of the uni crowd, they have student specials throughout the week on both food and drink. There’s nightly entertainment too, and the placid afternoon calm turns into a raucous throng on the weekends. The second level, a plush cocktail bar with pool tables and a balcony perfect for drunkenly lecturing pedestrians, opens for those looking for a quieter drink. Downstairs hosts live cover bands that specialise in shout-along choruses, and DJs spin tunes in the Cellar bar.