Freedom Day is finally here! With Sydney opening its doors, we're fanging for one thing above all else – to sip an ice-cold seltzer in a sunny courtyard, with all of our (fully vaxxed) mates in tow. Make that dream a reality at one of our favourite al fresco spots in the inner west. Best get to booking now, these coveted gardens will fill up fast.
HUNTSBURY HOTEL, PETERSHAM
A Petersham stalwart since the 1800s, this corner pub offers classic grub, craft booze and a straightforward garden to enjoy them in. Pull up a seat at one of the long picnic tables, which can fit you and all of your mates (well, up to 20 of ya, that is). Inside, the bar is slinging the latest releases from the likes of Batch, Yulli's and Willie the Boatman, plus organic/biodynamic wines and seltzer on tap. If pool is your thing, there's a whopping six tables to play at, too.
W Seltzer on tap.
DUKE OF ENMORE, ENMORE
The Duke has reinvented itself once again – this time with a brand new woodfire oven, a much-needed pickleback bar and a near daily live music offering. The pub launched a new menu by the kitchen's ex-Porteño Head Chef Doug Alvarenga just before lockdown; punters can expect the likes of woodfired flatbreads, eggplant katsu sandos and barbecued squid with harissa. Head out back to enjoy your spoils in the bright courtyard, and don't forget to grab a tinnie of W Seltzer behind the bar while you're at it.
W Seltzer In tinnies.
WHITE COCKATOO, PETERSHAM
Set just opposite the station, the White Cockatoo's vine-filled courtyard is the place to be on a sunny weekend arvo. It boasts its own timber-clad bar and a mix of bench, high and low seating for groups of every size. The pub has been around since the 1800s, but the elevated food menu gives the venue a modern twist. Think ocean trout ceviche, Tuscan stew, crispy pork belly and truffle pecorino fries, served alongside pub favs and vibes aplenty.
W Seltzer on tap.
THE UNION, NEWTOWN
One of Newtown's favourite haunts, The Union seems to go on forever, with a front and back bar, a light-filled cocktail lounge and multiple heated courtyards to get stuck into. If it's taps you're after, the Union has 22 of 'em, all of which are constantly rotating with local craft brews and seltzers. Live music is regularly on the docket, too, as is a kitchen turning out eats influenced by Chicago and New York.
W Seltzer on tap.
THE VIC ON THE PARK, ENMORE
Boasting one of the largest outdoor areas in all of Sydney (with seating for nearly 400 and a basketball court to boot), The Vic will no doubt be back to its bustling self as soon as the doors swing open. The entertainment schedule is returning as well, with live music, trivia and raffles all back on straight away. Reserve a table on the deck for your nearest and dearest, with both human mates and furry friends welcome. If you love this spot as much as we do, be sure to sign the petition to save the pub's beer garden from being turned into a carpark.
W Seltzer in tinnies.
OXFORD TAVERN, PETERSHAM
The Ox Tav is known for its barbecues, beer garden and good times, all of which are returning from October 11. The custom-built Black Betty Smoker will be fired up on day one, with the US-inspired barbecue plates offered for meat-eaters and vegos alike. Enjoy the eats alongside a refreshing bevvie in the expansive garden, which is primed for these warm weather days ahead. A few upcoming events are on the docket too, including the Queen of Balls Bingo on October 13 and a vegan, Texas-style smokehouse on October 28.
W Seltzer in tinnies.
GOLDEN BARLEY, ENMORE
This inner west gem hides its jungle-like, sprawling garden behind a classic neighbourhood pub that's slinging some top-notch, classic grub. The picnic tables can easily fit you and 19 mates, as well as smaller parties. Leafy as can be, you'll feel like you've been transported out of the inner city to an oasis that was made for sunny day seltzers. This corner pub really knows how to attract the masses, so don't forget to book ahead.
W Seltzer on tap.
PETERSHAM BOWLING CLUB, PETERSHAM
Bring back the lawn games with a beer, wine or seltzer in hand. At the PBC, there's more than just your standard courtyard on offer – here, punters can enjoy the two-tiered, fully refreshed lawn with a few rounds of bowls. Unlike your standard bowling club, PBC also serves 24 taps of craft booze, so you won't have a problem staying hydrated out in the sun. Apart from the bowls, there's also trivia and life drawing on Tuesdays, plus a regular live music schedule on the upstairs main stage.
W Seltzer on tap.
