Captain Cook Hotel

So BF and I stumbled in here on a random weeknight after a few too many (free) beers at a client dinner. Enticed by the sound of live music, we grabbed a few drinks and listened to an awesome band comprised of shirtless, Red-​bull-​swigging sixteen year olds playing surprisingly well-​executed ska-​reggae-​punk tunes (full horn section and all.) The clientele was a mix of sweaty, jumpy teenagers, hipster Surry Hills types, and aging hippies with graying ponytails, wire-​rimmed glasses and backpacks. The whole vibe was fun, unpretentious, and relaxed. A good time!

The last review for this pub was 3 years ago. How is that so?
Let’s face facts. This was the first place I ever stayed in when I moved to Sydney from the Country back in1996. It’s a shit place to sleep granted, because it’s right on the corner of a hectic intersection. I don’t know why we stayed here, probabaly because it is close to COFA where I went to uni, but there was a Green day concert on at the Hordern so it was entertaining people watching none the less.
Aside from my 90s nostalgia, this pub is a Cricket and more mainly an AFL pub. When the Ashes are on, it’s on. I was here at 8:30 am for breakfast beers and a $ 7 Bacon and egg roll. The roll was naff, and $ 7 but what are you going to do at that time of day when you’re having beers, for breakfast? Something needs to line the stomach.
We were not alone. It was as if it was a Friday night, and full to the brim with pink shirted Cricket fans who were also going to the 3^rd day of the Ashes test.
Side note: If you arent a Swannies supporter then get out, forever.
It still seems to cater mainly for backpackers.
The interior was covered with old band posters such as the Annandale used to have.
They have Coopers on tap. Win.
They clearly cater for events like the Ashes and open early. Win.
They seem to still have a stage, which I imagine supports live music. Double win.
Good for a stop over on your way to some sports or a gig at the Entertainment Quarter.

I know this bar is trying to find it’s place in the Sydney scene, but unfortunately it’s an old quiet bar, built from the income of pokie machines, with no real ambience or vibe.
It could be a great sports bar, but every time I’ve been there to watch a game, there are literally another few people who thought it was a good idea. It’s not a very popular sports bar, it doesn’t have a trendy vibe, it tries to hard to be socially connected, but doesn’t offer their customers any incentives to ‘check in’ or ‘like’ us on Facebook.
Positives — there’s a pool table, the beer is cheap, and there are heaps of screens to watch your game. So if you feel inclined to start a good vibe somewhere, or make a quiet new local for your mates, this is the place. Although if you want to have a crowd, and feel like you’re not the only people watching the game, head elsewhere.