Best Sydney pubs for watching the Spring Racing Carnival

First published on 20 Sep 2011. Updated on 2 Nov 2011.

Clovelly Hotel 
Tastefully restored, the Clovelly Hotel boasts a terrific bistro and is frequented by cricketers and rugby league players, as well as punters – professional and amateur alike. Clovelly 2031. (02 9665 1214).

The Coogee Bay Hotel
This sprawling complex of seven bars overlooks one of Sydney’s best-loved beaches. Grab a spot in the sports bar or watch the races on the big outdoor screen in the beer garden. Coogee 2034. (02 9665 0000). 

The Dolphin
The Dolphin’s two-storey high screen means you’ll feel like you’re actually at the track. There’s a solid bistro menu too and two levels of spaces to sink your beers and kick back. Surry Hills 2010. (02 9331 4800).

The Doncaster
The Doncaster in Randwick is a beauty of a pub with an illustrious racing history. Close the track, it has a great steakhouse, an elegant refurb job, 30 plasma screens and huge TAB facilities. Kensington 2033. (02 9313 6333). 

Helm Bar
Overlooking Darling Harbour, Helm Bar has a strong sporting pedigree as the site of the Time Out Rugby Bar for the World Cup. There’s two levels, a good range of bar snacks and unbeatable views. Darling Harbour 2000. (02 9290 1571).

Henson Park Hotel 
The spiritual home of the Newtown Jets has a family-friendly outdoor area outdoor and prime viewing spots for big sporting events. Marrickville 2204. (02 9569 5858).

The Light Brigade 
Charge into the Light Brigade to find the largest plasma screen available (103 inches) and a great atmosphere for the big races. The Restaurant upstairs, La Scala on Jersey, will take care of those hunger pains. Woollahra 2025. (02 9357 0888).

The Nelson Hotel
Where better to watch the gee-gees than at the Nelson’s horseshoe-shaped bar? There are lots of TV screens, a big lounge area, bistro and an old-school back bar. Bondi Junction 2022. (02 9389 6032).

The Oaks
This great Neutral Bay pub has a famous giant oak tree in the beer garden. Extra screens will be provided on Melbourne Cup Day. Neutral Bay 2089. (02 9953 5515). 

The Shakespeare
The Shakey may be a favourite among the acting crowd but it boasts a handy betting room too. And with bistro meals all under $12.50, that leaves plenty of money for putting on the races. Surry Hills 2010. (02 9319 6883).

The Woolpack 
Right opposite Redfern Park, this 1920s-built pub has a good-shaped bar and tables for on-street drinking. It’s a fun place for small groups to come and have a flutter. Redfern 2006 (02 9698 2077).

 

 

 

 

Get set for the season at Luxbet.com