The Squires Landing

Best For

Opening Hours

The Vibe

• Physical space: The glass-walled microbrewery dominates the ground floor, where you can watch head brewer Peter Merrington working while nursing a schooner at the marble-topped bar. Upstairs shifts into restaurant territory with white tablecloths and more formal service, while downstairs keeps things casual with pub-style seating and standing room around the brewing tanks.
• The views: Every seat delivers Opera House and Harbour Bridge vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows facing the water. The terrace seating makes the most of the location, especially during afternoon sessions when the light hits the harbour.
• Crowd and energy: Groups of four to six settle in for long sessions, particularly on weekends when the brewery tours draw curious drinkers. The upstairs dining room attracts date nights and business lunches, while downstairs pulls in after-work crowds from the CBD who want something more substantial than Opera Bar.

What People Love

• The beer: All nine core James Squire beers flow from the taps, from 150 Lashes Pale Ale to Jack of Spades Porter, plus limited-edition releases brewed on-site. The standout is The Wreck Preservation Ale, made with 220-year-old yeast recovered from a shipwreck off Tasmania - it's become the conversation starter that keeps people ordering rounds.
• Two-level dining: Downstairs serves elevated pub classics like gourmet burgers and fish and chips, while upstairs head chef Chris Evanges delivers restaurant-quality dishes including wood-fired octopus with nduja and coffee-cured Hunter Valley duck breast. The kitchen works closely with premium produce suppliers, evident in dishes that justify the harbour-side pricing.
• The location: Sitting right next to Campbells Cove where convict James Squire first landed, the historical connection adds weight to the brewing story that staff are happy to share.

The Neighbourhood

• Circular Quay position: Located at the northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Squires Landing sits between the cruise ship berths and the Opera House forecourt. It's a three-minute walk from Circular Quay station through the terminal building, making it easily accessible from anywhere on the train network.
• Tourist vs local balance: The Rocks draws heavy tourist traffic, but the brewery's position slightly removed from the main George Street strip means it catches more locals and CBD workers looking for harbour views without Opera Bar crowds. The venue competes directly with waterfront restaurants like Aria and Bennelong, but positions itself as more casual despite the premium location.
• Historical context: The site connects to the area's brewing heritage - James Squire arrived at nearby Campbells Cove on the First Fleet in 1788. This historical anchor gives the venue credibility beyond just another harbour-view restaurant, particularly for the brewery tours that run throughout the week.

Nearby in The Rocks

Ratings from Google

Contact