Concrete Playground

Once sandstone house, now historic pub, the Lord Nelson has to be one of Sydney's best places to enjoy a beer. This is a proper, old English-style pub, set in the right spot to have exceptional views straight across the harbour. Naval prints on the walls, no poker machines and plenty of locals: this is exactly how pubs should be. So much so that we think it's the best pub in Sydney.

The beer on offer isn't half bad either. On tap are the six beers brewed on-site, ranging from a summer ale to a porter. The most popular is the Three Sheets, a pale ale, though we'd also recommend the Victory Bitter, a classic English ale with a touch of caramel. If you decide to venture upstairs and make the most of the view, perhaps complete the picture with the brewery's summer ale, the Quayle Ale. All are completely natural, with no preservatives, extra sugar or other additives.

While you're at it, we'd suggest making the most of the bar menu. The hit is the Beef Pie ($12), served up old style and topped with mushy peas, mash and gravy. The pizzas are good share options, with either Roast Capsicum, Kalamatas, Crumbled Fetta and Caramelised Onion ($16) or Chilli-Marinated Prawns and Chorizo ($18) to choose from. Should you choose to go the whole way, you won't be disappointed. The full brasserie menu offers everything from Ragout ($14) to Nepalese Momo ($13.50), Spatchcock ($32) to a Hotpot ($30). Whatever your pick, make sure you don't miss out on the Sautéed Pears in Old Admiral ($13) to round it all off.

For a pub, they adapt surprisingly well to requests, with gluten free options on offer even on the bar menu. Then again, the Lord Nelson is more than your typical pub. The locals will tell you that.