Royal Albert Hotel

If you’re not into cavernous pubs that aim to cater to everyone (and sometimes end up making nobody feel at home) check out this back-street local. Sure, it was quick to jump on the dumpling train, but with the dust having settled on the proverbial hanging birdcages and bike; it shines brightly as an intimate public house where beer lovers unite.  They’re propping up the bar discussing the relative merits of tap takeovers and craft brews, which of course made me want one. I chose the pretty, hoppy (and locally made) on-tap Grifter Edward Pale Ale ($6.00/middy), while my dining companion cooed over her Apple Thief Cider ($9). To accompany our dumpling dinner we moved onto wine – the 2011 Kilikanoon Mort’s Block Riesling ($45) is a nice match for the menu hit – Crab, Prawn and Spinach Dumplings ($13). There are enough bite-sized options – from Seafood and Kaffir Lime Sugarcane Skewers ($12) to Shanghai Soup Dumplings ($10) – to fuel a share-plate dinner. While you can add in Asian Greens in Oyster Sauce ($9.50) I decided that Vegetarian Gow Gee ($10) were more thematic. You can even wrap things up with Chocolate Dumplings ($9.80) or Chocolate and Caramel Spring Rolls ($9.80). They might not be authentic, but they sure are tasty.

Royal Albert Hotel
140 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
Ph: (02) 9281 2522 royalalberthotel.com.au
Pub Bistro $-$$