Gilroys Hotel

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I've been meaning to try in St Leonards for years. It always seems to be packed full of people when I wander past, but it's just one of those places I'd never got around to visiting.

But I finally broke my Gilroys duck over the weekend, managing to pop in for a couple of beers and a burger. It may have only been a short visit, but I now know that this is a pub worth going back to.



Situated on busy Christie Street, Gilroys is a favourite throughout the week with corporate types from nearby offices looking for a bite to eat. And come 5:30 on a Friday afternoon, you'll struggle to find somewhere to stand as the office workers return for some end-of-the-week drinks.

This place is an Irish pub so the atmosphere is warm and inviting. And unlike plenty of other Irish-themed pubs, Gilroys doesn't go over-the-top with tacky efforts to achieve that "authentic" Irish look. The timber bar and seating create a welcoming vibe, while the occasional moose's head mounted on the wall adds a unique touch. And there's even the staple inclusion of any rustic pub - an open fireplace - to help you warm up in winter.

Gilroys is set over two storeys, with downstairs playing host to the main bar area. The buzz here is usually pretty vibrant and friendly, and you can get beers like Kilkenny and Guinness on tap. A pokies area is hidden off to the side if you feel like having a bit of a gamble.



Take the staircase up to the top level and you'll find Gilroys' ever-popular restaurant . This pub eatery boasts one of the best deals you're ever likely to find in any Sydney pub - $10 dinners seven days a week. These cheap options include caesar salad, a beef burger, nachos, roast of the day, chicken schnitzel and a porterhouse steak, so you can always have a cheap night out.

There's also a decent range of other dishes on offer, such as the Irish-themed beef and Guinness pie or bangers and mash, but nothing breaks through the $20 mark. The food here obviously ain't what you'd expect to find in a Michelin-starred restaurant, but it's good, honest pub grub.



There's seating available on a section of Gilroys' wrap-around heated balcony, the other part of which is cordoned off for smokers. This balcony is a great spot to relax with a quiet drink or two while the world goes on around you.

If you're looking for an Irish pub with heart, Gilroys is the place to go.

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