The Harbour City has loads of top bars and pubs with pool tables – here are a few of our favourites.

In case it’s been a while between games, playing pool is a whole lot of fun. Sledging your opponents and debating whether the two-shot rule should be allowed is all part of the experience – as are bragging rights when you win. And if you can pair this action with seriously good drinks and food, you’re in for an even better time. So, if you’re in Sydney and looking for a pool table on your next night out, we know just the place.

On the lower north shore, Neutral Bay’s Oaks Hotel is an institution, with pool tables in the upstairs rooms. There are plenty of other areas to hang out in before and after a few games of pool, and the bistro serves up all sorts of pub favourites.

Down in Manly, there are several options, but the New Brighton Hotel on the corso is a standout. It’s right there at the beach end, and after a game of pool, you can pull up a seat on the balcony for some particularly good people watching.

The pool room at Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre

In the city, the Grand Hotel has a pool room on the second floor, which you can even hire out – it has space for 60 people. But for our two cents, it’s all about the inner west. Public House in Petersham, the pool tables are free on Tuesdays, which also happens to be steak night with a $25 rump special, although woodfired pizzas are a specialty.

Over in Marrickville, Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre (pictured) is a highlight among the growing options within a short walk of the Metro stop. The team here perfectly describes the venue as “part brewery, part 1980s pub, part country-town Chinese-Australian bistro, part time capsule”. But the pool room is worth a look, with its showcase of Bob Hawke photos and memorabilia.

Also in Marrickville, the Henson Park Hotel (pictured) is an excellent option, with daily food and drink specials (take note of Monday’s $20 curries) and there’s a Tuesday night pool competition, too. Over in Camperdown, The Lady Hampshire is beloved for its live music acts and pub grub, and pool tables are part of the package.

And for anyone in Glebe, the Toxteth Hotel is a historic pub (complete with a very modern rooftop space) offering a heap of food and drink specials, as well as a pool competition on Tuesday nights.