The brilliant art deco facade of The Kirribilli Hotel is a welcome sight at the Ennis Road exit of Milsons Point train station. The north shore boozer has been serving locals since 1937 and endures as a convenient knock-off spot for passing white- and blue-collar workers.

Inside, an enormous polished wooden bartop wraps around the carpeted main bar into a dining room adorned with portraits of past prime ministers. Frosted brass beer taps pour big-name beers as well as rotating crafts from Gage Road, 4 Pines and Balter breweries. Pints of Lord Nelson bitter from the old-school hand pump are a nod to British pub culture and a rarity this side of the bridge. A stacked gin list with matched garnishes pushes the envelope further.

The bistro menu sticks to classic pub fare with a few modern twists, such as panko-crumbed schnitzels, a selection of burgers and grain-fed steaks. With headland glimpses of nearby chimney tops, the bluster-proofed outdoor terrace is air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter.

Despite its posh postcode, The Kirribilli Hotel is as unpretentious as it is iconic – it’s a haven for music lovers and NRL fans alike, who flock to the main bar for live acoustic music and Friday night footy.