Forresters

pub

A century-old Surry Hills pub with four distinct spaces, from the original timber-beam public bar to plant-filled Phylli's restaurant, known for Latin-influenced pub food and a weekly $10 Monday steak special.

4.2

(1,649 reviews)$Google

Happy Hour Deals

Happy Hour

$7.50 house beers, $7.50 house wines

Monday – Friday

4:00pm – 6:00pm

Best For

PubLive MusicOutdoor SeatingTakes Reservations

336 Riley Street, Surry Hills 2010

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Opening Hours

Monday11:30am – 11pm

Tuesday11:30am – 11pm

Wednesday11:30am – 11pm

Thursday11:30am – 12am

FridayToday11:30am – 1am

Saturday11:30am – 1am

Sunday11:30am – 10pm

The Vibe

Four spaces under one roof: The public bar keeps the original character with exposed timber beams, hardwood floors and tri-folding windows, while Phylli's presents a complete contrast - bright and airy with hanging plants, natural light from large street-facing windows and skylights, plus a botanical mural by Sydney artist Mielo.
The crowd varies by room: The public bar draws the footy crowd for live matches, while Phylli's attracts date-night pairs and groups settling in for bottomless rosé lunches on weekends. The Art Room connecting the two spaces offers a quieter spot for catch-ups, with local artwork on the walls that's actually for sale.
Upstairs entertainment space: The first floor houses booth seating and a separate bar, serving as the venue for weekly trivia nights and comedy evenings when it's not hired out for private functions.

What People Love

The $15 Monday steak special: Grilled steak with chips and a drink - a continuation of the venue's old $10 steak tradition that's kept locals coming back for years.
Latin-influenced pub food: Beef cheek empanadas ($22), fried southern crab cakes ($24) with Creole tartare and pork belly cubano sandwiches ($24) alongside the signature roast served inside a plate-sized Yorkshire pudding with plenty of gravy.
Local craft beer focus: Taps pour rotating Australian brews while tinnies from Sydney favourites Grifter, Batch and Willie The Boatman stock the fridges. Happy hour runs 4-6pm weekdays with $5 schooners and $7 wines.
Bottomless rosé lunches: Saturday and Sunday sessions in Phylli's for $79 per person, complete with shared banquet and rosé spritz on arrival.

The Neighbourhood

Corner position: Sitting at the intersection of Foveaux and Riley Streets, Forrester's anchors a busy corner in the heart of Surry Hills' pub strip, with the venue's large street-facing windows making it a visible landmark.
Surry Hills pub heritage: This stretch of Riley Street has housed pubs since the 1950s and Forrester's maintains that watering hole tradition while neighbouring venues have shifted toward more upscale dining and cocktail offerings.
Walking distance essentials: The venue sits within easy reach of Central Station and the Crown Street dining precinct, making it a natural stopping point whether you're coming from the CBD or exploring the neighbourhood's cafe and restaurant scene.
Community hub status: After 100 years of operation and the recent Applejack takeover, it remains a genuine local gathering place where regulars mix with newcomers discovering the renovated spaces.

Nearby in Surry Hills

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Contact

The Vibe

Four spaces under one roof: The public bar keeps the original character with exposed timber beams, hardwood floors and tri-folding windows, while Phylli's presents a complete contrast - bright and airy with hanging plants, natural light from large street-facing windows and skylights, plus a botanical mural by Sydney artist Mielo.

The crowd varies by room: The public bar draws the footy crowd for live matches, while Phylli's attracts date-night pairs and groups settling in for bottomless rosé lunches on weekends. The Art Room connecting the two spaces offers a quieter spot for catch-ups, with local artwork on the walls that's actually for sale.

Upstairs entertainment space: The first floor houses booth seating and a separate bar, serving as the venue for weekly trivia nights and comedy evenings when it's not hired out for private functions.

What People Love

The $15 Monday steak special: Grilled steak with chips and a drink - a continuation of the venue's old $10 steak tradition that's kept locals coming back for years.

Latin-influenced pub food: Beef cheek empanadas ($22), fried southern crab cakes ($24) with Creole tartare and pork belly cubano sandwiches ($24) alongside the signature roast served inside a plate-sized Yorkshire pudding with plenty of gravy.

Local craft beer focus: Taps pour rotating Australian brews while tinnies from Sydney favourites Grifter, Batch and Willie The Boatman stock the fridges. Happy hour runs 4-6pm weekdays with $5 schooners and $7 wines.

Bottomless rosé lunches: Saturday and Sunday sessions in Phylli's for $79 per person, complete with shared banquet and rosé spritz on arrival.

The Neighbourhood

Corner position: Sitting at the intersection of Foveaux and Riley Streets, Forrester's anchors a busy corner in the heart of Surry Hills' pub strip, with the venue's large street-facing windows making it a visible landmark.

Surry Hills pub heritage: This stretch of Riley Street has housed pubs since the 1950s and Forrester's maintains that watering hole tradition while neighbouring venues have shifted toward more upscale dining and cocktail offerings.

Walking distance essentials: The venue sits within easy reach of Central Station and the Crown Street dining precinct, making it a natural stopping point whether you're coming from the CBD or exploring the neighbourhood's cafe and restaurant scene.

Community hub status: After 100 years of operation and the recent Applejack takeover, it remains a genuine local gathering place where regulars mix with newcomers discovering the renovated spaces.