Pumphouse Restaurant & Bar

The Pumphouse has a pretty solid selection of craft beers! Currently they have their own brew on offer.

However their level of service is pretty subpar - when we first approached the bar we were told our order would be taken at our table. We returned to our table and when we eventually flagged a waiter down, we were then directed back to the bar to place our order.

The pizza we ordered was served barely warm and although the pepperoni, cheese and base did have some nice flavours, it wasn't anything special.

If we were to go back it would be after eating elsewhere and we would just order from their drinks menu.

This is one of those trendy/flashy pubs located in the hipper part of Sydney. Well, actually its Darling Harbour, so it is probably more touristy than anything else (and I'm not that familiar with Sydney to know where the hipsters all hang out). Anyway, this was a nice pub, though I can't say that I really warmed to it. There is quite a large bar, and they have a number of beers on tap, as well as a lot of other alcoholic drinks that you may prefer. There is an upper level, as well as an outdoor area (which is strickly non-smoking – no smoking around this place). It is probably more of a gastro-pub than anything else, which is probably why I didn't warm to this place all that much. It isn't bad, but on a place I'd return to in a hurry.

I went with a group, and we had a great time.
Staff were very helpful.
Food was great!

This evening I need a decent meal, but don't want to wait a long time, so I try out this pub. Although is past 6pm, the board out front still shows the lunch menu (available until 3pm) - hmmmm, should I be worried? I decide the mains are too heavy for my appetite tonight, so I will try a selection of entrees. First, Pumpkin & Fennel Soup with Honey Balsamic syrup - delicious, served with doughy bread. Next, Smoked Salmon with Beetroot Pure along with Greens with Mustard Seed dressing. Although the server tells me the entrees will be small servings, the smoked salmon is very generously piled on the plate, it's balanced with the pure, tiny beetroot cubes and some roe. The "Greens" are actually a full blown garden salad, heavy on the pickles, olives and spicy dressing. I suspect this is to ensure the diner stays thirsty and keeps buying drinks ... that works to great effect. Overall, this meal is enjoyable, though. Thank you. I would come back.

The food was tasty but very expensive and very small. The staff were not particularly friendly.