Bull and Bush Hotel

The Bull and Bush has held the same Baulkham Hills corner since around 1810. Back then it was the Lamb and Lark, a convict-era tavern — renamed, torched and rebuilt at least five times in the two centuries since, most recently after a 1991 fire and a fresh refurbishment inside the last year. The bistro trades seven days on grilled steaks, prawn cutlets, calamari and $17 weekday lunches. Tuesday trivia from seven, Saturday cover bands from nine, a Sunday country-music session three to six: the week runs on ritual.

Dogs are welcome on the outdoor seating, which is mostly a large courtyard off the car park. It's widely reckoned the nicest spot on the property. Throwback Hills District pub with a real back bar and a proper yard — still run as a neighbourhood local rather than a polished gastropub.