Hemingway's

The walls are lined with well-loved books at this literary-themed bar overlooking the seafront at Manly. Inside, it cosily paints a picture of a writer's den; a vintage typewriter, deep wooden furniture and a charming fireplace look aptly nostalgic and join what quickly manifests into an affectionate tongue-in-cheek vibe. The approach is endearing and centred largely on good service, laughter and guilty childhood pleasures.

Casually serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, the three boys behind Hemingway's have sensibly kept the menu simple, tweaking and polishing old favourites such as chicken nuggets, fish fingers and two-minute noodles, to encapsulate their re-imagining of school canteens and Ikea hotdogs.

Similarly, drinks find their way from VB throwdowns to craft beer on tap, or specialist cocktails that update old tipples. Worthy of a mention is the ‘Hemingway's Cup’ – Hendricks gin, rose and apple tea, cucumber, sugar, spice and all things nice – served, of course, in a delicate, chintzy tea cup.

You'll find your food and drink listings stapled into the pages of old encyclopaedias or children’s storybooks – yet another casual, improvised touch that plays on the cheeky personality of this popular beachside bar.