The crew from the hospitality group Applejack has transformed this favourite Surry Hills pub.
Finding a drink in Surry Hills isn’t a tough ask. There are countless wine bars, micro-distilleries, pubs, cocktail spots, and more to explore. But for those nights when a pint of beer and burger is calling your name, many of us would flock to the familiar favourite, The Forrester’s.
But things look a little bit different at this local watering hole. Earlier this year, the team from the Applejack hospitality group (responsible for the likes of The Botanist, SoCal, The Butler, Bopp & Tone, and more) took ownership of the Forrester’s. They wanted to deliver a community-focused pub with a trio of drinking and dining spaces housed within the one venue.
Taking inspiration from the Forrester’s century-old history, they’ve incorporated natural timbers and a classic neutral colour palette complemented by pastel furnishing. Inside you’ll find Phylli’s restaurant, a public bar as well as an upstairs entertainment and dining space.
First up, Phylli’s restaurant boasts the perfect spot for a long lunch, casual dinner, or relaxed catch-up with friends. This lush dining room features a new spritz cocktail menu, a considered wine list, and a share-style menu made for grazing with friends. Head Chef Jon Barrios (Botanist, Bopp & Tone) and Applejack Executive Chef Jason Roberson have teamed up to create a fresh take on pub food that’s been guided by the Americas – North, Central, and Southern.
In the public bar, the mood shifts with hardwood floors, period featuring lighting, and leather accents to create a ‘lived-in’ feel. Expect to sip your way through a range of local craft beers and Australian wines while watching the latest sports matches on the big screens.
Head to Upstairs at Forrester’s for comfy booth seats and a separate bar. Here they’ll be weekly trivia nights, comedy evenings, and the entire dining menu available to complete your night out. Expect snacks and share-style dishes, along with the pub’s iconic $10 steak which remains on the menu.
Find the Forrester’s at 336 Riley Street, Surry Hills, open Mon to Wed from 11.30 am to 11 pm, Thurs 11.30 am to 12 am, Fri and Sat from 11.30 am to 1 am and Sun from 11.30 am to 10 pm.