RCI EV Issue 8 Spring Summer 2013
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4<br />
East Village<br />
Sydney’s pub culture lost its respectability in 1916, when a riot by World<br />
War I soldiers led to laws that forced all bars to close at 6pm. In the 1920’s<br />
Sydney workers finishing at 5pm would try to drink as much beer as they<br />
could before closing time - a rite referred to as the six o’clock closing<br />
swill. As in Prohibition era America, criminal gangs became involved in<br />
‘sly grogging’ (bootlegging) and many pubs were frequented by thugs and<br />
prostitutes. Today the era’s shadiest pub, the Tradesman’s Arms, has been<br />
renamed the East Village Hotel, and its trendy ambiance could not be<br />
further from its wicked past. A complete renovation has revealed an airy<br />
art deco dining room and a rooftop bar. Few remember that Tilly Devine,<br />
a notorious Sydney madam, once managed her empire of 30 brothels from<br />
a bar stool here.<br />
234 Palmer Street theeastvillage.com.au<br />
5<br />
Exchange<br />
Many Victorian pubs were graced with wrought iron<br />
balconies referred to as iron lace. The majestic three<br />
story Exchange Hotel still presides in the harbor front<br />
neighborhood of Balmain, easily reached from the city<br />
centre aboard one of Sydney’s yellow and green public<br />
ferries. As it has a pub on almost every corner, Balmain<br />
is ideal for a pub crawl, with the Exchange as its pleasant<br />
ultimate goal. The affection of generations of locals for<br />
the heritage listed edifice has not been dimmed by its<br />
latest renovation. The pub now has a chic upstairs bistro<br />
with a breezy veranda whose upholstered banquettes may<br />
be the perfect place to while away a summer evening.<br />
94 Beattie Street exchangehotel.com.au<br />
6<br />
Australian Heritage<br />
Built for dockworkers high in Millers Point in 1913, this charming pub<br />
is another with an improbable gangland past. In 1956 for example, a<br />
certain John William Manners was shot dead on the doorstep before the<br />
eyes of patrons. Inside, the original salon style doors and etched signage<br />
evoke a century of memories. But these days, the young professionals<br />
thronging the outdoor seating every night are more focused on which<br />
gourmet pizza to order. The pub’s Aussie/Asian fusion selection is<br />
famous. Among the topping are kangaroo, babecued tiger prawn, and<br />
saltwater crocodile marinated in Thai herbs and a spicy coconut broth.<br />
100 Cumberland Street australianheritagehotel.com<br />
18 SPRING/SUMMER <strong>2013</strong>
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