Nestled in between the
ABC Ultimo Studios,
UTS, the edge of the CBD and the alternative
inner-west, The Clare Hotel is a melting pot of sorts.
It kind of has the feel of a house party a mates house, except you're 16 years old and their parents are away for the weekend. There are no adults here, just people wanting to have a few beers and chill.
The inside is set up like a huge lounge room with couches galore. it's a whirl of mix-matched patterns and fabrics, with an 80's throwback feel to it. The awesome DJ who spins his old school tunes adds to this charm. The cosy concrete outdoor area is cosy without being claustrophobic and the pool table gets it's fair share of use, as does the pinball machine.
Rumour is The Clare Hotel once injected some serious cash into the place, making it that awkward 'Sydney-fied' that so often happens to pubs in this great city. Upon re-opening it did terribly, alienating its crowd. So they stripped it bare and started again (by the looks of it they started again by picking up couches on council collection night). But it works. The beer is cheap and cold, the location is central and the couches are comfy. Don't take my word for it: if the moustache to face ratio is anything to go by (read: the
hipsters flock) then this place is a good egg.
