Woolwich Pier Hotel

The Woolwich Pier has traded from the same peninsula corner since 1885, where the Lane Cove River meets the Parramatta. Laundy Hotels took it over in 2015 and handed the 2018 renovation to Alexander & Co., who left the concrete and brickwork exposed and dressed the rest in blush, olive and reclaimed timber. Downstairs runs a sports bar, bistro and timber-decked courtyard with heated bungalows; upstairs is a cocktail lounge and a wrap-around balcony with open water on both sides. The kitchen goes long on Riverine saddle of lamb, an Angus burger and Sunday roasts.

Dogs are welcome in the courtyard. It's the ground-floor spot regulars angle for anyway — timber deck, heated bungalows, and the quietest harbour views on the North Shore.