Courthouse Hotel

It wasn't that long ago that the Courthouse Hotel was a bit of a trade secret, tucked away as it is just north of King Street. But of course, most good secrets are eventually let out of the bag, and with good reason.

A classic old suburban local, the Courty is best known for having one of Sydney's best beer gardens. And it's a ripper – a large paved drinking terrace heaving with a cross-section of students, professionals, tradies and old-timey locals. Large picnic tables seat all your mates, while shady umbrellas and leafy trees provide solace from the sun. Despite the garden's generous proportions, the pub's overwhelming popularity means snaring a table is sometimes difficult, so arrive early to get a good spot.

Inside, the steadfastly unrenovated public bar provides shelter in poor weather or when the beer garden is at capacity. It's also a refuge for legions of devoted footy fans. Swans memorabilia is displayed proudly on the wall and game days attract droves of enthusiasts clad in red and white.

Otherwise, the Courty's all about cheap jugs of beer, surprisingly good pub fare from the bistro, drinking in the great outdoors and taking in the never-ending stream of patrons that only Newtown can provide.