There are a few reasons we like Hive. It’s a bar that does breakfast, offers discounted takeaway coffee when you bring your own cup, and come nightfall, it’s on a simmer rather than a boil (the kitchen only closes when the bar does). Most impressive though is Hive Bar’s dedication to using local and sustainable food and drink as much as possible. They have a patch in the Erskineville Community Garden for vegetables, they source locally brewed beers, grind locally roasted coffee and their wine list is exclusively Australian.

Between the pizzas, platters, share plates and burgers, it doesn’t seem like the ethical approach has limited the menu. And whether you want a substantial meal or just a snack with you drink, it errs on the side of good value, with something for almost every whim.

The records scattered across the bar are menus that have seen better days, but no one seems to mind. It’s a nice touch for a place that loves vinyl and invites anyone to bring their own records down for a spin on Wednesday nights. Hive really lives up to its name with its buzzing atmosphere, but also in its role as a convening point for local produce, the work of local artists and idle drinkers, who can be found here on any given afternoon.