Woolwich Pier Hotel

Woolwich Pier Hotel came on the scene in 1885 and reopened in 2018, following a three-month renovation. Alexander & Co (The Morrison, Watsons Bay Hotel among others) was behind the refurb and incorporated natural-coloured timber, Picasso-esque artwork, and hues of blush pink, tan and olive green. There’s also a mix of rendered and exposed-brick walls (the outside is also now sparkling white), and geometric patterns on the carpet and tiles, which combine to create an elegant and beautiful package.

The renovations are most apparent upstairs in the social house; for some of the best views of the harbour secure a seat on the balcony. The marble dining table is ideal for semi-private get-togethers. Downstairs is a restaurant, sports bar and beer garden.

To reflect the venue’s new look, the menu was updated to incorporate a French-Japanese bent. Choices include duck confit l’orange, with charred pears, baby spinach, potato Lyonnaise and a blood-orange reduction. The miso salmon is served on a bed of squid-ink risotto. Otherwise, take a share-plate approach by ordering a big bowl of mussels muddled with chilli, bacon, garlic butter, lemon crème fraiche and a baguette, or the gougère, choux pastry cheese puffs served with a mushroom “cappuccino”.

And because it’s a pub, there are also options such as the Sunday roast, and a chicken and leek pie with a golden, crunchy pastry top.

Wine drinkers will recognise labels such as Cloudy Bay, Four in Hand and Pikes, and fans of Nicholas Cage might like the Nicholas Sage, a spritz made with Tanqueray gin, sage, elderflower liqueur, lemon, prosecco and soda water.