Explore | The North Shore
Let’s be real, the Sydney is pretty damn awesome. Yes, we may be biased but what's not to love?
It’s hipster filled and a place to be seen - especially over summer. I mean, what’s not to love about the picturesque sunsets on grassy knolls, or late-night boutique bars serving delicious whiskey and apple concoctions...? And all that is before we even mention the iconic beaches that run along our Sydney shores that are more than enough to lure any willing, excitable person.
But lately we’ve spent a bit of time over in the Northern Beaches and yes it’s safe to say…we’ve found a few of our summer holiday haunts!
Sitting beside Wharf Bar on the beautiful ‘other side of The Bridge’ is Manly’s answer to afternoon bevvies. The Office, as it’s so fondly referred too by locals, runs from the Wharf Bar all across the water’s edge and around to the Skiff Club.
Watch the sunset in the warm, afternoon light and enjoy a few drinks with mates on a Sunday afternoon before venturing down along the Corso (or perhaps for one of the new lobster rolls from Lobster Liquor at Manly Wharf Bar). Papi Chulo’s (yet another ingenious Merivale creation) is also Wharfside and we’ve heard their burger gives Mary’s of Newtown a run for its money.
Manly is littered with great bars and eateries that are dark and romantic. Insitu is always serving up delicious cocktails, and Happy Hour is from 4.00pm-7.00pm most nights and 2-for-$20.00 cocktails are hard to turn down. An Espresso or Apple Crumble martini here is a must!
If food is what you crave, Jipang Japanese should be on your list. The Restaurant is BYO and their Karaage chicken is some of the best I’ve ever had … anywhere! Meanwhile, the newly opened Miami Cuba is beachfront, and is perfect for some afternoon cocktails drunk in the stunning upstairs bar that looks over the water. Bonus: the lady of the house (ask for Hannah Darling) is a total babe too.
Daniel San, the latest bar/restaurant attached to the Manly Pacific Hotel, is up-and-running and serves delicious eats and late night beats on the beach. If night crawling isn’t your thing, then check out upstairs on a Sunday. Set yourself on the bright white balcony over-looking the palm trees and listen to some tropical house with $15.00 jugs of Pimms.
The Collaroy (previously known as the infamous Surf Rock) has brought a little gastro pub-chic to Collaroy. Downstairs, Roy’s Burger Bar has some great burger options including fried chicken and pulled pork versions that are served alongside waffle fries. Among the lads, the Wagyu Burger is in the running for the best burger this side of The Bridge. If you’re lucky you might see one of your old favourite league stars floating around the bar at The Collaroy.
The great thing about the insular peninsula is that it really is Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon; everyone knows everyone and you’re always bound to see someone you know wandering around your favourite haunt.
By Sally Cordukes
