Nestled in an alleyway next to The Barber Shop, The Duke of Clarence offers a quintessentially British experience and is as cosy as it gets. This 19th-century-inspired English tavern boasts a 500-strong line-up of spirits and British eats that tick every comfort food box. We’re talking Scotch eggs, fish finger sandwiches, ploughman’s plates and traditional roasts (Yorkies included).

Although loved by locals and day trippers in the summer months for their winning combo of alfresco dining and waterfront views, Merivale’s The Newport is equally popular in the wintertime. With a handful of outdoor firepits, you can snack and drink amongst the beautiful scenery without feeling the winter chill.

Tucked away in Sydney’s historic quarter, The Doss House is a cool basement bar in The Rocks. From boarding house to opium den, the building has a rich history and the latest tenants have created five cosy bar spaces. Front and centre is the whisky offering, with over 150 behind the bar, along with a range of signature cocktails. All the fireplaces throughout are original, too!

Nestled within the historic The Glebe Hotel, you’ll find the venue’s formal dining room – The Stables. The exposed bricks and central fireplace emanate visual and physical cosy vibes whilst the menu serves up pub classics alongside some fancier options. Once you’ve finished soaking up the warmth, peruse the historical archive lining the walls of the public bar.

Affectionately known as The Longy, this is the locals’ watering hole. This refurbished hotel offers up classic modern Australian pub food. There are four bars as well as an aesthetically pleasing beer garden, ideal for Sunday afternoon drinks. Enjoy either the indoor or outdoor fireplaces on a cold winter’s day.

A neighbourhood pub hidden away in the back streets of Chippendale, The Duck Inn is loved as much for its warm, laidback ambience as it is for its craft beer and menu. There are comfy couches, bookcases and a timber bar inside while the beer garden outside is intimate, tree-lined and has a fire pit – a sought-after watering hole in both the winter and summer months.

Manly’s beachfront pub, The Steyne, is the place to be even when the mercury drops. Hotel Steyne has been given a much-needed revamp in recent years to modernise this hardwearing hotel. Settle in by the fire in the Steyne Bar with a vino or two and a few slices of some of the best pizza in Manly.

While there’s no shortage of English-style pubs in Sydney, few possess quintessential British charm like this corner pub, and come wintertime, you can nestle by the open fire and enjoy a pint of Old Speckled Hen.

This iconic Surry Hills watering hole keeps things traditional with happy hours, meal deals, trivia nights and their super strength gas fireplace. As you warm up your extremities, dine on equally soul-warming bites like chicken wings, meat pies, nachos, crab risotto and sticky beef short ribs with a spiced coffee rub. This is wholesome winter dining out at its finest.

Mismatched lighting, provedore crates, rustic stools, vintage Coke signs, and bright botanicals, The Treehouse is eclectic in all the right ways. While the fireplace isn’t as rustic as some establishments, the log-free, glass enclosure still manages to create a cosy atmosphere for a glass of mulled wine and a delicious feed.

An oldie but a goodie, The Lord Nelson is Sydney’s oldest continually licensed hotel. It has been restored to its original charm with the much-welcomed addition of the award-winning microbrewery. Still drawing a crowd, the food at The Lord Nelson is classic pub grub, and to keep you toasty make sure to secure a seat near the heritage fireplace.