The Australian Heritage Hotel

The Australian Heritage Hotel is one of Sydney’s most iconic establishments and remains a proper pub experience. The hotel was originally built on George Street in 1824. In 1900 it was purposely burnt down when The Plague (yes, that plague) briefly hit Sydney.

Situated in its current location since 1914, the hotel has played a major part of The Rocks’ cultural history and witnessed the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge just across the road. It’s an excellent example of Edwardian and Federation styles, and the interior has been kept in its original paint colours.

Take a stool in The Alcove for a beer from 4 Pines, Lord Nelson, or bigger brewers such as Tooheys and Hahn. The Cafe is a sunny spot for a casual meal. The Wine Emporium is a bar in a converted cellar that features Australian-only wines. There are nine rooms available for accommodation.

The menu is known for its Australian-themed “heritage” pizzas, including the half-kangaroo, half-emu Coat of Arms; and the Saltwater Crocodile, which is exactly that: crocodile, coconut cream and Thai spices.

For those looking for a more familiar slice, there are 17 pizzas on two menus with the standard topping options, too. Of course, there’s also the requisite chicken parmigiana, steak, bangers and mash and other classic pub meals.