There aren’t many inner-city pubs that command a following quite like The Lord Wolseley Hotel. There’s The Cricketer’s Arms in Surry Hills. The Old Fitz in Woolloomooloo, of course. All small, independent boozers with a fierce local contingent, but also with a destination status for one reason or another.

One of the Wolseley’s biggest drawcards is perhaps its bistro, Pub Life Kitchen. Led by chef Jovan Curic, PLK made a welcome return to the pub in 2021 after a three-year hiatus, bringing with it many of the old favourites: oysters, chicken schnitzels, parmies and Curic’s signature, a hefty cheeseburger made with a dry-aged beef patty from Wholebeast Butchery in Marrickville.

The pub’s other drawcard is its footpath courtyard, the subject of much speculation (and occasionally, the odd noise complaint). Is it even legal to drink schooners out here? When the jazz band is playing old standards and the weather's just right, it doesn’t really matter.

Much of the Wolseley’s original 1881 charm remains intact, with a classic corner pub facade and a cosy front bar that spills out into the aforementioned courtyard. Upstairs there are nine budget-friendly rooms to rent, with smart TVs, fast wifi and – depending on the one you stay in – views overlooking Wentworth Park and the city skyline.