The Rover is the Newest Old Pub You'll Want to Visit in Surry Hills

Look out, Surry Hills. Former Irish pub The Wild Rover has received a modern makeover. Now re-branded as The Rover, this iconic institution has re-opened its doors as a chic New York City-style cocktail bar with a seafood-driven menu, extensive drink selection, and swanky interiors.

Owned by Liquid & Larder Hospitality Group, the pub has been transformed into an elevated establishment that pays homage to its charming Irish heritage. A welcome addition to the bustling Surry Hills area, The Rover has taken on the role of a swanky yet friendly neighbourhood watering hole that is sure to become an instant classic on your night-out rotation.

The Rover Front Entrance — Image courtesy of The Rover

The Space

The Rover Interior — Image courtesy of The Rover

The Rover is a polished version of its past self. The newly installed windows bathe the space in warm afternoon sunlight and provide an openness that the previous space lacked, while the dark wood panelling allows it to maintain the cosy feel of a pub.

In the evening, dim amber lights set the copper bar ablaze and create an inviting atmosphere you’ll want to enjoy all evening long. The banquet seating with velvet upholstery, exposed brick walls, and black-and-white tiled floors contribute to the timeless charm.

Elegant yet unpretentious, it is just the place you’ll want to spend an early summer evening with a cold glass of Chardonnay in one hand and a freshly-shucked oyster in the other.

The Food

The Rover Octopus Dish — Image courtesy of The Rover

The kitchen, run by Executive Chef Pip Pratt, offers an extended New-England style menu with an emphasis on small plates that are perfect for sharing with friends.

The focal point is the daily selection of Australia’s best Sydney Rock oysters. Try them raw and fresh with a squeeze of lemon juice, or opt to try their Southern-style take, which features creole seasoned oysters that are deep-fried before being returned to their shell.

For a luxurious snack, opt for a plate of caviar, potato chips, and sour cream, or a cheese board adorned with pickles and chutney. Other memorable menu items include smoked sardines, a curried fish finger sandwich, and a sausage roll with beetroot ketchup.

The menu embodies elevated comfort food and inventive takes on classic dishes. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack and cocktail before heading to dinner or you’re looking to settle in at The Rover for a satisfying meal and a bottle of wine, there is something here to satisfy every mood and taste.

The Drinks

The Rover Pouring a Cocktail — Image courtesy of The Rover

The drink menu is carefully concocted and designed to enhance the delicious food offerings at The Rover. Their craft cocktails are well balanced and highly drinkable.

The drinks menu at The Rover is the perfect complement to the food offerings, with an emphasis on house-designed, highly quaffable cocktails.

Crafted by crowned Australian Bartender of the Year, Alex Gondzioulis, they range from familiar favourites to the experimental. By using housemade sodas and ferments to complement their range of premier spirits, they’ve designed fresh and elevated cocktails that pack a memorable punch.

For something seasonal, try the Fair Weather Friend, a vodka-based drink with an interesting infusion of mandarin, mint, and cacao. Or, opt for a classic whiskey highball, featuring their chosen whiskey of the month.

They also have a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails that are treated with the same level of careful craftsmanship, such as the No-groni, made with Seedlip, spices, and orange.

Their extensive wine list, curated by sommelier Kyle Poole, features more than fifty bottles of some of the best organic and biodynamic wines, available by the glass or by the bottle.

The slimmed-down beer offerings include a golden and dark brew available on tap and can be served ‘Black N’ Tan’, a clever nod to The Rover’s Irish past.

The Team

Liquid & Larder Hospitality Group is the team behind some of Sydney’s most iconic institutions, such as The Gidley, Bistecca, Grandma’s Bar, and now, The Rover.

Much of their success can be attributed to their star-studded team which features some of the best professionals in the industry. From the chefs to the servers, the sommelier, and the bartenders, their line-up of award-winning, seasoned experts is unstoppable.

Liquid & Larder’s venues aim to provide more than simply food and drinks. They strive to engage all your senses and provide you with an unforgettable experience. From the moment you step foot in The Rover, their attention to detail is felt viscerally. With the recent venture into Surry Hills, Liquid & Larder has shown itself a willing participant in the reinvigoration of this inner-city precinct.

The Rover opened its doors on March 25th and is open from 4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and from noon Friday-Saturday. They serve every guest on a walk-in basis, so make sure to get there early if you want to snag a coveted seat at the bar.

Whether you’re looking to tuck into a wholesome weekend lunch or ready for a proper night out, The Rover is on the fast track to becoming a beloved institution in the iconic Surry Hills neighbourhood.

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