Bert’s Bar & Brasserie

Bert’s Bar & Brasserie, in Newport in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, evokes the easy decadence of the 1930s with its rattan furniture, olive-green decor and expansive bow window overlooking tangled greenery and glimpses of Pittwater. It’s an ideal spot to while away the hours. Perhaps an old-school cocktail to start and then a deep dive into the list artfully pieced together by Franck Moreau MS, Merivale’s group sommelier. Eye-watering collections of Burgundy, Champagne and Australian icons sit happily alongside low-intervention gems and easy-drinking whites and reds from just about everywhere of note. Cruise through the by-the-glass list – it will keep you busy for hours – sustained by a plate of Sydney rock oysters or something more substantial from chef Jordan Toft’s excellent kitchen and charcoal grill.