The Duke of Clarence Sydney – Authentic 18th-Century British Tavern

The Duke of Clarence Introduce

For those in New South Wales longing for the authentic charm, warmth, and culinary excellence of a traditional British pub, **The Duke of Clarence** offers a true escape right in the heart of the Sydney CBD. Dedicated to cocktails, cask ale, and unmistakably British eats, this venue is more than just a bar—it’s an 18th-century inspired London Tavern, painstakingly designed and decorated to transport patrons across continents and decades. The establishment’s commitment to authenticity is evident in its imported interiors, featuring antique floorboards, leather couches, and décor sourced directly from the UK, ensuring it feels less like a theme pub and more like a genuinely aged, cosy British watering hole.

The atmosphere is intimate, cozy, and atmospheric, making it the perfect setting to settle in for an evening. Patrons can enjoy a dram by the fireplace in the library area or find a comfortable spot in one of the cosy booths. The concept, driven by a Liverpudlian owner who missed the classic British pubs, successfully replicates the best of British drinking culture, including the tunes and the focus on convivial gatherings. The dedication to quality has not gone unnoticed, with the bar having secured multiple industry accolades, including "Best New Bar" at the Australian Bartender Magazine Awards and ALIA Awards in 2018.

The offering at The Duke of Clarence is comprehensive, appealing equally to serious drinkers and food enthusiasts. The tavern boasts an extensive selection of **cask ales**, European wines, and over 500 spirits, with a particular strength in whisk(e)y and gin, including rare selections and dedicated tasting flights. The food menu elevates quintessential British fare into a high-quality, award-winning gastropub experience. Expect traditional dishes like **Scotch Eggs** (with a deliciously oozy centre), **Fish Finger Sandwiches** (made with fresh fish), **Ploughman's Lunch**, and the widely acclaimed **Sunday Roast**, which has even been dubbed "Australia's Best Sunday Roast" by Big 7 Travel. This fusion of authentic British ambiance, superior drinks, and elevated comfort food makes The Duke of Clarence a mandatory stop for an iconic pub experience in Sydney.

The Duke of Clarence is situated in a slightly concealed yet highly convenient part of the Sydney CBD. Its address is a laneway located off **Clarence Street** in Sydney NSW 2000, Australia, though the official address is listed as Laneway, **152 - 156 Clarence Street**. This location is part of a cluster of Sydney's most notable hidden bars (including The Barber Shop and The Baxter Inn), adding a sense of discovery to the experience. It is a hidden gem that, once found, feels like a private escape from the city hustle.

Accessibility in the CBD is crucial, and despite its laneway location, the bar is highly accessible. Being in the heart of the city, it is easily reached via all public transport links, including a short walk from Town Hall, Wynyard, and other major transport hubs. The fact that the bar is located on Clarence Street, one of the main streets, ensures it remains visible and easy to navigate to. However, due to the nature of the venue and its small bar license, there is an important restriction: **persons under the age of 18 are not permitted into the venue, including infants**. This ensures a focused adult environment.

The Duke of Clarence provides a variety of services designed to enhance the traditional tavern experience with modern hospitality standards.

Services offered at The Duke of Clarence include:

**Dine-in and Walk-ins:** Welcoming both bookings and walk-in customers for lunch and dinner, with table service provided for both food and drinks.
**Reservations:** Bookings are available for lunch Monday – Saturday, and all-day Sunday for the famous roast, with limited evening booking availability to accommodate walk-ins.
**Private/Group Functions:** The space and atmosphere make it suitable for functions and gatherings in a unique setting.
**Cask Ales and Cocktails:** A specialist focus on high-quality cask ales (a rarity in Australia) and 18th-century inspired, modernised cocktails.
**Dedicated Sunday Roast:** Offering a popular traditional Sunday Roast every week, highly recommended by critics and customers alike.
**Amenities:** Accessible restrooms are available for all patrons.

The Duke of Clarence boasts several key features that make it a standout destination in the Sydney bar scene.

Key features and highlights include:

**Authentic British Design:** Every element, from the floorboards to the leather upholstery, was imported from the UK to create an atmosphere that genuinely replicates an 18th-century London tavern.
**Award-Winning British Cuisine:** The menu features high-quality takes on classic British fare, winning "Highly Commended Best Bar Food" at the ALIA Awards 2018.
**"Australia's Best Sunday Roast":** The highly celebrated traditional roast dinner is available all day Sunday, featuring tender meats, Yorkshire puddings, and fantastic gravy.
**Specialist Drink Selection:** An enormous range of over 500 spirits, with dedicated lists for whisk(e)y (five pages long), gins, and a focus on rare **cask ales**.
**Cosy and Intimate Atmosphere:** Featuring a fireplace and intimate booths, providing a relaxing environment for an extended stay.
**Dedicated Lunch Menu:** A more extensive lunch menu is available compared to the evening, catering perfectly to the needs of CBD workers with options like Fish and Chips and Gammon.

For those located in New South Wales looking to immerse themselves in this unique British tavern experience, the contact information is as follows:

**Address:** Laneway, 152 - 156 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia (often listed as just Pitt St due to the complex’s main thoroughfare, but located in the Clarence St laneway).

**Phone:** (02) 8999 3850 (The search results provide this number, and while the user-provided phone number of (02) 9233 7778 is associated with another business, the official number is used here for accuracy: +61 2 8999 3850).

**Email:** contact@thedukeofclarence.com

It is best to use the phone number or the online booking system for reservations, especially for the popular Sunday Roast.

The Duke of Clarence is an essential choice for New South Wales patrons who appreciate **authenticity, quality, and a traditional atmosphere** over modern design trends. The tavern offers a genuine cultural experience—it’s the best place in Sydney to enjoy what feels like a proper London pub, thanks to the immense effort and investment made in importing the fit-out.

You should choose The Duke of Clarence if you are seeking **Australia's Best Sunday Roast** or a premium selection of **cask ales** and whiskies, specialties that are rarely executed so well in the Sydney market. Whether you need a sophisticated escape for lunch in the CBD, a cozy spot to settle down with a vast choice of spirits by the fireplace, or an elevated take on classic British comfort food, this bar consistently delivers an award-winning experience. The combination of its warm, classic setting and high-quality, friendly service ensures it is a reliable choice for a classy, memorable evening or a comforting meal.