Forresters
pubgood for groupsgreat for after work drinks
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 $10 Monday steak special.
4.2
(1,630 reviews)$GoogleHappy Hour Deals
Happy Hour
$7.50 house beers, $7.50 house wines
Monday – Friday
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Best For
PubLive MusicOutdoor SeatingTakes ReservationsBar
336 Riley Street, Surry Hills 2010
View on Google MapsOpening Hours
MondayToday11:30am – 11pm
Tuesday11:30am – 11pm
Wednesday11:30am – 11pm
Thursday11:30am – 12am
Friday11:30am – 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, weathered hardwood floors and tri-folding timber windows - perfect for watching footy with a schooner. Phylli's restaurant feels completely different, bright and airy with hanging plants, skylights and a botanical mural by Sydney artist Mielo.
- Upstairs entertainment: The first floor houses booth seating and a separate bar, hosting weekly trivia and comedy nights. The Art Room connects the spaces, displaying works by local artists that are actually for sale.
- Crowd and energy: The public bar draws the traditional pub crowd for afternoon pints and live sport. Phylli's attracts a more diverse mix for bottomless rosé lunches on weekends and date nights during the week. Gets busy after work but maintains a neighbourhood feel rather than tourist chaos.
What People Love
- Monday steak special: The $15 deal includes grilled steak, chips and a drink - a continuation of the venue's budget-friendly tradition that locals have relied on for years.
- Sunday roast with a twist: The "Big Yorkie" comes with roast beef, crispy potatoes and vegetables served inside a face-sized Yorkshire pudding, plus plenty of gravy for drenching.
- Latin-influenced menu: Beef cheek empanadas ($22), fried crab cakes ($24) with Creole tartare and pork belly Cuban sandwiches ($24) give the pub food a fresh angle. The slow-cooked lamb barbacoa ($69) for sharing gets mentioned frequently.
- Local beer focus: Taps rotate through Australian craft brewers including Grifter, Willie The Boatman and Sauce Brewing Co. Happy hour runs 4-6pm weekdays with $5 schooners and $7 wines.
The Neighbourhood
- Corner position: Sits at the intersection of Riley and Foveaux streets, a quieter part of Surry Hills away from the Crown Street strip but still walkable to Central Station in about eight minutes.
- Local landmark: This site has housed a pub since the 1950s, making it one of the area's established watering holes. The $1.5 million renovation by Applejack Hospitality (behind The Botanist and Bopp & Tone) has elevated it while keeping the neighbourhood pub soul intact.
- Surroundings: The location puts you between the residential streets climbing toward Darlinghurst and the more commercial strip heading toward Redfern. Close enough to Moore Park for pre or post-stadium drinks, but removed from the match-day crowds that hit the pubs closer to the venues.
Nearby in Surry Hills
Ratings from Google