Given it is dotted with charming Georgian terraces, heritage-listed sandstone cottages, and classic corner pubs, it doesn’t take long to figure out the suburb of Pyrmont possesses a rich history.
But, beyond the many clues of yesteryear, Pyrmont has become a vibrant and affluent neighbourhood of revamped warehouses, established parks, and harbourside walkways, all of which contribute to the suburb’s new lease of life.
During its transition, Pyrmont has also become somewhat of a tech hub, attracting media companies to its waterfront locale, with the likes of Google, Seven and Domain, flocking to its revitalised shores one by one.
It’s only natural that countless cafes, restaurants, and bars would crop up, eager to serve the hungry and thirsty workers and tourists who flock there.
Even with the delights of Darling Harbour at its doorstep and the Sydney CBD just a hop, skip and a jump away across Pyrmont Bridge, there are so many reasons to stay put in Pyrmont.
Here’s how you can while away the hours along these sandstone-filled streets.
Have brunch at a sandstone cottage cafe,
The heritage precinct of Union Square is lined with many fascinating historic buildings, one of which houses the newly opened Quick Brown Fox cafe.
This bright and breezy sandstone cottage dwells on a quiet corner of Pyrmont, with tables and chairs spilling out onto the shadow-speckled street.
Here, cult classic brunch faves are mixed with new delights, serving everything from a trusty breakfast roll to a tempting koshihikari rice congee. What’s more, these delights are served on an all-day breakfast menu, so there’s no need to be quick, regardless of the cafe’s name.
Sit for lunch at Quarryman’s Hotel’s rooftop
Beyond its original exterior, Quarryman’s Hotel is a century-old Pyrmont pub that has been extensively renovated and includes a California-inspired bar located at its rooftop.
Journey two levels up and you’ll be greeted with a pastel pink coloured interior, purposefully channelling some Palm-Springs vibes. Outside, the lovely rooftop terrace is surrounded by succulents and cacti, continuing the theme.
But don’t let the striped umbrellas and lush greenery steal all of your attention, as this local venue still holds a faithful pub menu, including options like buffalo wings, lamb cutlets, and of course, the classic chicken schnitzel.
Enjoy dinner at Chuuka overlooking Sydney Harbour Bridge
At the tip of the historic and eclectic Jones Bay Wharf building, Chuuka offers a premium waterfront dining experience, with views of the Harbour Bridge.
The dishes here deliver a dose of Chinese flavours, yet with Japanese precision, such as the tempura yuzu chicken, with a sweet and sour yuzu sauce, or the blue swimmer crab and scallop fried rice, in Japanese XO sauce.
Showing its age, in the very best of ways, the restaurant’s venue showcases exposed beams and timber panelling, complemented with a dark and contemporary colour scheme.
After dinner, head out to the outdoor waterfront bar, primed for a summer evening cocktail with a view.
Have a tipple and a top-up at Bar Clementine
Tucked away in a peaceful pocket of Pyrmont at the leafy end of Harris Street, Bar Clementine is a cosy and elegant bar and eatery, pouring a collection of Australian, French and natural wines.
Much like the wine they serve, the bar’s interior design has been carefully curated, with a marble bar wrapping around one side of the venue, and a delightful seating section at the other.
Take your pick from the timber bar stools, plush booth seating, or bentwood chairs — though, no matter where you sit, you’ll be able to sip and swill your way through their selection of whites, reds, and rosés.