The Oaks

Last night I stopped into "The Oaks", a large modernised pub on Military Road, Neutral Bay with an impressive sprawling Oak tree in the beer garden. The pub is what I would call trendy but it's not overly pretentious either and it was pleasant enough to drink my Schooner of Coopers Pale Ale. The crowd was a mix of punters ranging from tradies getting a few in after a day at work, to families enjoying a get together and evening meal in the beer garden. Overall a family friendly venue that would be great for a few beers on a sunny summer afternoon.
The oak tree itself seems to have an impressive history. It was planted in August 1938 By landlord Kathleen McGill (nee Furlong). The original seedling, 30cm high came from the old Anthony Horden's department store in George Street, Sydney. It was a custom of the store in those days to give an Oak Tree to any patron spending more than Ten pounds in one purchase. Apparently it is a tradition that luck comes to those who are struck by an acorn when they fall in Autumn. I think I would rather forsake this luck than be hit on the head but that's me.

In other news - tonight I am off to Wildfire Restaurant for dinner tonight, but not after a couple of pints in the Lord Nelson. Wildfire has an impressive drinks list with beers from just about every Australian boutique brewery. The Lord Nelson is a brewpub in The Rocks which churns out awesome beers. It should be a good night.