The Royal Albert

Surry Hills is renowned as a borough rich with restaurants, pubs, bars of all genres under the sun with a visit to Spain, Mexico and the deep south of the USA all achievable in less than a 200m walk. But one establishment is all about embracing the grass roots chapel of the true old school ‘ local’- Welcome to Royal Albert Hotel.

This unassuming watering hole looks just like any other Aussie pub on the street corner, with emerald tiles, chalkboards of weekly specials and even as you step inside it has all the makings of ‘ just another pub’….. till you look a bit closer.

The interior is cosy with a modern twist, a light box behind the bar reads “ PICKLEBACKS BLOODY MARYS!” as an old train station board has been creatively transformed into an educational feature informing visitors what brews are in the house. There’s a shelf adorned with Australian made spirits boasting an impressive and extensive panorama of mixes and labels.

It is clear that there is a genuine passion and knowledge invested into the sourcing of selections from local brewers- with such a vast spectrum of varieties this is one of the many reasons why beer enthusiast have fallen in love with Royal Albert.

Their staff know the in’s and outs of whats going on in the beer and spirit world, and are more than willing to provide background info on what you are drinking and where it comes from.

The breweries change regularly but appearances from Modus Operandi Brewery and Holgate are the stars at the moment. Located in Mona Vale in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Modus produce a refined and creative range. The Flying Kite Cream Ale is unbelievably smooth due to the specialised tapping method. Holgate’s Temptress is a rich and indulgent dark porter, taking on more coffee tones and chocolate then some of the stouts and porters currently on the market.

Burgers seem to be the hot ticket menu item of late, making it a highly competitive arena to be best in show. Surprisingly it is in this fine establishment that one will be well acquainted with some of Sydney’s finest burgers. Tarantino fans rejoice with the ‘ Royale with cheese’($14) served on a fresh locally baked bun, with a juicy 100 day aged ground beef pattie and for those after a kick please get the jalapeño mustard, you will not regret this decision.
The Chicken Katsu ($14) creatively fuses the fast food American food style with Asian street food. Traditional Katsu style chicken with a delicate crunch is married with a fresh Asian sesame slaw and sauce. A nice alternative for a lighter burger choice.

Keeping in with the Asian flair, there is also Bamboo Dumpling Bar which is part of the hotel. The menu is huge with lots of combinations and meal sets available.

This is a hidden gem not only within Surry Hills, but in Sydney. Royal Albert is so much more then a local, it’s a beer and food culture enriched mecca, with a delicious range of locally sourced quality producers.