It borders on Woollahra, it's kitted out with leather sofas and you might catch Megan Gale in the corner playing backgammon, yet it's virtually pretension free.
Located at the posh end of Oxford Street, the recently revamped Paddington Arms serves as a welcome zone of respite for thirsty locals and shopped-out fashionistas. Formerly the Elephant and Wheelbarrow, the affectionately termed 'Paddo Arms' has pulled out the tacky paraphernalia that previously adorned the walls and gone for a simple manor-house-meets-minimal style of decor.
On a quiet night, local shop girls converge on the leather couches, G&T in hand, to rest their well-shod tootsies after a day of flogging Sass & Bide. They appear no more out of place than the blokes in the corner firmly focused on their pints and steak.
Weekends see the clientele spill upstairs to the second floor, which is generously fitted out with an army of armchairs and features its very own bar to save one trekking up and down the stairs in order to remain hydrated.
Nerd-friendly Wednesdays see the bar host trivia, while DJs hold the fort throughout the weekend. Lucky enough to boast one of the few 3am licences in this part of town, the Paddo Arms is the last port of call for the evening - at least, for those who don't need their beauty sleep.
Claire Ward
