The Shakespeare Hotel - Surry Hills

Location: On Devonshire Street, about five minutes’ walk from Central train station.

Profiled by de groots media: You can spot the Shakespeare Hotel a fair way off – it’s the pub on the corner of Devonshire and Steel Streets where boisterous patrons regularly huddle on the pavement outside. Happily sipping away, these punters flank a seemingly unassuming façade, but don’t be fooled by the traditional pub edifice.

In an area dominated by exclusive cocktail lounges and trendy wine bars, the Shakespeare Hotel offers a laid-back alternative to it-crowd Sydney haunts. This is a local pub that ticks all the boxes when it comes to pub territory; friendly service, affordable meals and a positively lively atmosphere.

Staff behind the bar are keen to serve on-tap offerings, while glassies are only too happy to collect empties from visitors spilling out onto the footpath. Inside, a mixed crowd of artsy locals and after-work corporates packs into the timber-clad bar area, as diners take a seat in the no-frills bistro section around the corner. Those after a calmer ambience can head upstairs for comfy lounge seating. The selection of well-priced pub fare is a major drawcard – the menu includes meals for just $10 each without scrimping on quality or portion size. Feast on hearty hotel meals like juicy rump steaks with chips and salad or crumbed chicken parma.

It’s no wonder in-the-know locals have gotten the word around on affectionately dubbed “The Shakey”.

Alecia Wood