There’s a reason pub classics never go out of style. They’re comforting, hearty and nostalgic - but the modern pub experience has moved well beyond the deep fryer and bulk gravy. Across the country, hefs are giving traditional favourites a serious upgrade. Think Porterhouse paired with café de Paris butter, or schnitzels topped like loaded pizzas.
In this roundup, we explore five standout venues redefining what it means to serve pub fare. These are the places where the steak is always perfectly cooked, the mash is creamy enough to rival your Nan’s and the vibe hits the sweet spot between casual and considered.
Whether you're road-tripping through the Southern Highlands or strolling through Sydney’s historic laneways, these destinations prove that good food and cold beer are still the perfect pairing - especially when the kitchen has a little finesse.
The Sutton Forest Bistro – Sutton Forest, NSW
In the heart of the Southern Highlands, The Sutton Forest Bistro delivers on every front: heritage charm, open countryside views and a menu that celebrates the region’s produce. Housed within the Sutton Forest Inn, this rustic yet refined venue feels like a classic country pub should - warm timber interiors, a roaring fire in the cooler months and a beer garden that stretches into the green horizon. Whether you're stopping in after a long drive or making it your weekend destination, this spot has the kind of laid-back ambience that lingers long after the last bite.
Start with the hickory smoked chicken wings paired with a silky housemade ranch sauce, then move on to the showstopper: a rib eye served with seasonal roast vegetables, café de Paris butter and housemade potato gems that reinvent the chip. It’s a dish that honours the pub steak while gently nudging it into gourmet territory, without ever losing that soul-warming appeal.
Tucked into the historic laneways of The Rocks, Harts Pub has all the credentials of a classic Aussie pub but ups the ante with a craft beer pedigree and comfort food done right. Inside, the atmosphere is a blend of exposed brick charm and beer-lovers' haven, with 12 rotating taps dedicated to all-Aussie independent brews. This is a place that tourists stumble upon and locals keep coming back to drawn in by a solid drinks list and a kitchen that knows exactly what the crowd wants.
The steak Diane is a nostalgic throwback reimagined with quality produce: grain-fed Scotch steak, grilled asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes and a creamy mushroom sauce that’s anything but basic. Add chips on the side and you’ve got the perfect plate to soak up your latest IPA. It’s old-school meets new wave, much like the pub itself.
Overlooking Portland’s picturesque coastline, Mac's Hotel has been fuelling weary travellers for more than 140 years and it still knows how to satisfy after a long road trip. With its elegant plaster ceilings and antique décor, this Great Ocean Road landmark is more than just a pub; it’s a full-blown heritage experience. Whether you’re in the atmospheric Sand Bar or seated beneath chandeliers in the Admella Room, there’s a sense that every meal here is a celebration of timeless hospitality.
Among the standout dishes is the indulgent chicken schnitzel 'New York-style' - topped with Napoli sauce, bacon, melted tasty cheese, fresh slaw and a dollop of sour cream. It’s comfort food with a confidence only 140 years of service can deliver. For the purists, there’s also a perfectly grilled Scotch fillet with all the trimmings. Either way, it’s proof that classic pub dishes don’t have to be predictable.
The Royal Hotel – Harrisville, Qld
In the charming township of Harrisville, The Royal Hotel is steeped in character - literally. Built in 1875, this Scenic Rim icon has stayed true to its Queenslander roots with a wide verandah, dark timber interiors and walls dressed in memorabilia. There’s an unmistakable feeling here of stepping back into a time where the beer was cold, the servings generous and the service genuinely warm.
The take on slow-cooked lamb ragu feels more like a trattoria than a pub plate - tender Italian-inspired lamb, gently braised then tossed through pillowy gnocchi. It’s a dish that speaks to both the diversity of the menu and a kitchen unafraid to go beyond bangers and mash. That said, if you are in the mood for sausages and gravy, the Royal's is among the best around.
Cock ‘n’ Bull British Pub – Launceston, Tas
Bringing a dose of Britannia to Launceston, the Cock ‘n’ Bull British Pub feels like it was plucked straight out of a village in Devon. Upstairs, a crackling fireplace draws you in during the colder months, while downstairs offers a charming, carpeted space perfect for settling in with family or friends. The menu delivers British favourites with a Tasmanian twist, marrying heartiness with hyper-local ingredients.
The beef and Guinness pie is the stuff of folklore - tender chunks of locally sourced beef slow-cooked in the iconic Irish stout with carrot, onion and herbs, encased in buttery pastry and served with either chips and salad or creamy mash and seasonal vegetables. It’s the kind of plate that makes you want to lean back, sip your pint and cancel any afternoon plans.
These venues prove that pub classics aren’t just surviving - they’re thriving, evolving and being reimagined with craft, care and regional flavour. So, next time you’re craving a parmy, a pie or a juicy steak, skip the deep-fried mediocrity. Seek out one of these spots where the humble pub meal is treated with the same reverence as any fine dining dish and enjoy every bite.
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