Woolwich Pier Hotel
2 Gale St, Woolwich, NSW
Mon to Thurs – 11am to 11pm, Fri and Sat – 11am to 12am, Sun – 11am – 10pm
(02) 9817 2204
Website
Woolwich Pier Hotel is a North Shore Australian pub with a sophisticated setting, perfect for a group outing or a date night.
After a makeover in late 2018, the family-oriented pub that’s been around since 1885 has transformed into a European Brasserie.
Walking through the fairy-lit beer garden into the bar and dining area, you’ll find a modern, open space. Think white walls with pastel, Picaso-esque art, wooden floorboards, mustard-yellow booths and large windows. The interior is light and summery, with hues of blue, pink, yellow and mint green floating around the establishment. Upstairs is where most of the functions are held, where you’ll find a similar set-up along with astonishing harbour views, perfect for watching the sun-set.
But for us, the standout is the menu – an eclectic mix of European, French and Japanese dishes. For entree, we ordered Tuna Tartare; ponzu, wasabi, rice crackers, potato frits, sesame, shisho ($23) and the Burrata with Mille Feuille of Vegetables; pesto, vino cotta ($23). You could tell that the tuna was fresh and of the best quality by the way it melted in your mouth, and it paired so well with the tantalising sauce and the crunchiness of the rice crackers.
Having worked on a cruise ship previously, Head Chef Glenn Tabudlo, who designs the rotating menu, is acquainted with seafood and loves Japanese cuisine. He aims to combine fine dining with traditional Australian food.
“We’re a pub that’s more food oriented”.
When asked what his favourite dish is on the menu, Chef Tabudlo said the Miso Salmon; squid ink, risotto, salmon roe, sesame mayo, togarashi, enoki, ponzu ($36)
The dishes and the place itself are carefully curated – the entire establishment exudes passion and hard work, which is definitely conveyed through the overall precision and execution of meals, service and atmosphere.
All portions were generous, ESPECIALLY the dessert which was a gastronomic delight. We ordered the Profiteroles ‘choux à la crème’; vanilla bean ice cream, pistachios, coffee-caramel syrup, chocolate sauce ($14) and the Triple Citrus Cheesecake; mirror glazed, fresh berries, raspberry gel, white chocolate tuille ($14). The deconstructed cheesecake was finger-licking delicious and one of the best we’ve ever head. If we weren’t so full from everything else, we definitely would’ve ordered another heavenly slice.
Not only is the food good, but so are the drinks! Our favourites were the Espresso Martini; Espresso, Patron XO, coffee liqueur, honey ($18), Takes Two to Mango; Mango Daquerie with white rum, mango, lime and the Nicholas Sage Spritz; Tanqueray Gin, sage, elderflower liqueur, lemon, prosecco, soda water ($16).
Woolwich Pier is definitely worth checking out, and once you do, it may become your go-to spot to drink and dine. We know we’ll be back!
Better yet, the North Shore favourite has spectacular daily specials each week which include:
Sunday – Sunday roast ($30)
Monday – Tuesday – Steak night ($14)
Wednesday – Potpie ($14)
Thursday – Trivia night
Friday – $10 drinks from the Spritz menu
Saturday – Kids day
