Unity Hall Hotel

This is probably what I would call a lowest common denominator pub in that it seems to attract only the lowest common denominators in whatever suburb that it happens to be located in. The thing is that when I stepped into the pub t really didn’t impress me all that much — it just seemed to be a standard pub despite the fact that it happened to be in Balmain. Okay, it was pretty quiet when I was here, and the staff were pretty nice (which is why I haven’t given it a one) however the atmosphere really didn’t stand out all that much and I really didn’t like the vibe of the place. In the end it is probably one of those pubs that I will pass by the next time I happen to be in Balmain.

Right in the heart of Balmain, this establishment has all the character you’d expect from an old school Aussie pub. The first time I ended up here, I was loitering on Darling Street with a friend as we pondered our next move. Suddenly, the sound of a trumpet in the distance lured us inside Unity Hall, to an 8 piece jazz band breakin’ it down. Jackpot. These guys kept us enraptured for hours. History bite: The Unity Hall Jazz Band has been in residency at the hotel since before 1970. The UHJB performs Sunday afternoons from 4pm, except for the first Sunday of each month when the Dan Barnett Big Band wows the punters. So in short, this place is big on live music… the kind that makes you want to don your dancing shoes. Head to the website for what’s coming up, and if you don’t feel like dancing, have a punt (there’s a tab), or blow your dough on the pokies. Like I said, this is old school. And a convenient place to pop into the ladies when you’re out and about in Balmainia.

This bottleshop is basic, but the service is good and prices are typical of a pub bottle shop (although occasionally a tiny bit pricier than the bottle shop 100m down the road).
The boys here are willing to help and have been known to support community groups. Open late, it’s close to Woolies and thus great if you need a bottle of Pinot with your pasta. Although small, they’ve got a good range of red wines to choose from. Sadly, their cider range is limited and uninspired — Strongbow just doesn’t cut it these days.