Do you know what doesn’t feel an awful lot like work? A three-day bar-hop across the Southern Highlands, that’s what! Yes, it’s a plum gig – and someone had to do it. Well, we thought so. Voila! A complete list of all the bars and pubs from Bargo to Bundy and everywhere in between. Enjoy responsibly{ish}!
Visitors have been flocking to Bundanoon since the early 1900’s to escape city life and to suck in some fresh, country air. The Highland Bar and Lounge at Tudor-style Bundanoon Hotel is filled with comfy couches and an airy pool room. Happy Hour on Fridays from 5-6pm and $7 pints on Sundays 4-6pm. They also have meat raffles on Friday’s with tickets being handed out with each drink purchased from 5pm. The perfect start to our pub tour of the Highlands.

Hold the phone! This club is COMPLETELY VOLUNTEER RUN! You know you live in an awesome community when every position from the book-keeper to the bar staff and cleaners are un-paid! The Bundanoon Club, located next to the public pool, is currently open from Wednesday-Friday 4-8pm with the possibility of Saturday’s in the near future. The coolest part? When they do make a profit they intend on paying-it-forward into the community that has supported them – cheers to that!

The Sutton Forest Inn has become a real hot-spot for muso’s and fans of live and local talent. Their ‘Open Mic’ night’s, which kick off from 2pm every Sunday are a real crowd pleaser. The bar is cosy and full of character and staff are friendly and welcoming. Set in a fabulous rural location with local beer and Guinness on tap, a comfy pool room, family friendly and loads of parking… what more could you want?!

For family friendliness and value for money, you can’t go past The Moss Vale Services Club. The indoor play area will keep the kidlets happy and the list of fun for us big kids is huge! Spin to Win raffles Wednesday, Friday, Sunday. Bingo Thursday and Friday. Indoor Bowls Wednesday. Rock N Roll Dancing Thursday nights and last but by no means least, our personal fave, Karaoke the last Saturday of the month. A relaxed and welcoming club with an all-important element of respect for our servicemen and women.

If a casual place to sink a cold one is what you’re after, then the Jemmy Moss Inn is the place for you. With music every Friday, FOX sports and a courtesy bus, this no-frills pub is the easy choice when it comes to escaping the daily grind. Their motto is “The Friendly Pub” and if the bar staff are anything to go by it is certainly true.

This lovely little wine bar is located on the site of the old Bank of New South Wales – which gives it a truly unique layout and vibe. The owners have created the ultimate private dining experience in the old bank vault, very resourceful! Wine Mosaic Lounge stock Australian spirits, craft beer and specialise in Australian boutique wines with over 30 sold by the glass. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 12pm-9:30pm, you can enjoy a quiet beverage in the comfort of the lounge area and try some fresh, seasonal produce from the bar menu.

Moss Vale Hotel is definitely a local favourite. Affectionately known as the Pink Pub or the “Pinky”, you will find everything you expect here. Friendly bar staff, a casual atmosphere and a place to catch up with mates and some seriously hearty pub grub. The Pinky prides itself on having served the community for over well over 150 years. You’ll catch Happy Hour Thursdays from 5-6 and the Joker Draw on Fridays. You can also catch most major sporting events on one of their big screens.

You could be forgiven for thinking that you have stepped back in time as you enter the charismatic, Surveyor General in beautiful Berrima. Savour one of the many local wines on offer in the beer garden or enjoy a beer by fire in the cosy bar. Happy hour is 5-6pm Fridays with the possibility of local’s nights making a return in the not too distant future. Aside from its old-world charm, The Surveyor General is famous for its cheeky sense of humour with a sign out front advising the weary passer-by of a unique, over 18’s, day-care opportunity. We chuckled.

Attention residents of Berrima -your secret is out! E2 Locals Night is about to be invaded by a motley crew of northener’s. E2 draws you down from street level into its glow. With its rustic charm and welcoming staff, we can’t think of a better place to kick off our shoes and settle in for some tunes (please note, we left our shoes on). With a restaurant set-up, a band in the corner and a fully stocked bar, being at E2 is like being at a wedding reception without the cringe-worthy speeches and drunk uncle. E2 Locals night, originally designed for locals, absolutely loves visitors from far and wide. Doors open at 5:30pm and they offer up live music (most weeks) and a scrumptious bar menu in a truly inviting setting. Keep in mind that E2 is only open Friday’s when not booked for a private function. Keep an eye on the Eschalot & E2 Events Facebook page for up to date information. Signing off for the night, this killer Cosmo isn’t going to drink itself!

Check out Day 2 of our Bar-Hopping the Highlands! and Day 3 the tour is complete!
