Forest Lodge Hotel

Festooned with fairy lights, a stocking-clad doll, vintage photos, and boasting craft beers on tap, the bar at the Forest Lodge Hotel —or Flodge as I once lovingly knew it—has come a long way from my fond memories of stale beer and aromatic football socks. Where there were once VB jugs, rusted-on locals, and footy on the TV, there’s now Craft Beer Tasting Paddles ($15) and beard and flannelette-types relaxing to the tunes of The Strokes and Radiohead. I’ve got to admit—things have changed for the better.

Actually, they call this place The Flodge, and it took me a bit to work out that it was actually an amalgamation of Forest and Lodge, though I guess the regulars end up having their own pet names for pubs, which the pub eventually takes on board. Anyway, this pub claims to be the best pub in the inner west, and while I’m not an expert on Sydney, nor am I an expert on the Inner West, the Forest Lodge does have a few things going for it, especially the range of beers that they have on tap – there are some pretty good craft beers there. The pub itself gets pretty crowded, but I eventually found the courtyard, which is mainly for the smokers, but it was a lot quieter and a lot calmer out there. Still, I have to admit that I did quite like this pub and do see myself coming back here, if I lived in the area that is.

It's actually a hidden gem! I'm surprised I've never heard of this place before. Awesome pub food! And the staff are super polite and friendly and chilled back. I'll definitely come here again for a lazy Sunday. They also have a pool table and other old skool games.

Great little pub located in the inner west. Great food, plenty of drink to quench your thirst. Plus amazing vibe - what more could you want?!

Best pub tucked away in The Flodge. Fun trivia on Tuesday nights and the lamb pocket for dinner is my fave.