The Balmain Hotel

The Balmain Hotel on Mullens Street is one of the more genuinely dog-friendly pubs in the Inner West, built around a large, plant-filled courtyard beer garden where dogs are welcome. The building dates to 1869, making it the second-oldest pub in Balmain, though the courtyard and the Asian-influenced modern menu are very much current.

The dog setup

Dogs go in the covered, open-air courtyard, not the indoor bar or dining rooms. Keep them leashed, settled and clear of the walkways, and staff will look after the rest.

Water bowls are usually on hand and the staff are used to dogs, but a travel bowl is a sensible backup on a busy night when the courtyard is full.

The vibe

The tropical courtyard fills fast on weekends and can get loud, with live music and DJs in the mix on Friday and Saturday nights. Weekday afternoons are a different room entirely: calm, roomy and easy for a dog that prefers to doze under the table.

Max: if your dog is noise-shy, aim for a weekday afternoon and a table along the edge rather than the centre of the courtyard.

Getting there

Street parking on Mullens Street and the surrounding residential streets is tight, especially on weekends. Buses along Victoria Road and Darling Street get you close, and the walk from the ferry side of the peninsula is manageable for a settled dog.

Make a day of it

A 24-hour off-leash reserve with harbour views sits a few minutes' walk away, so you can tire the dog out before settling in. For a coffee stop beforehand, Hungry Squirrel Cafe, little Ethel's and Hungry Bull Co. all sit within the village.

More options are on the New South Wales dog-friendly pub guide and the Balmain destination page.

Leash status

On-lead in the courtyard at all times; dogs are not permitted indoors.

Water

Bowls usually available from staff; bring your own on busy nights.

When to go

Weekday afternoons for a quiet table, weekend lunches for atmosphere if your dog is socially confident.