The humble surrounds of this hole-in-the-wall bar down an alleyway in Neutral Bay, belie its glamorous star connections (owners include Sam Neill and Aussie actor David Wenham). Leave your pretensions at the door and join locals in the know occupying the few stools on the pavement.

Inside, the grey brick walls are livened up by graffiti and an elegant marble topped bar. Order from the roll call of mainly Aussie and Kiwi drops (most come in at under $100 a bottle), including the tasty Two Paddocks Pinot Noir, produced by none other than Neill himself.

No dinosaur burgers here though, munchies run mainly to casual style food like salads, sandwiches or rillettes of duck served with pickles and grilled bread. But if you're feeling particularly carnivorous, they'll run in a beef and chicken mini burger platter from them guys at Ribs and Burgers around the corner.