Clarendon Tavern — Restaurant in Sydney

Hidden Gem Just Outside Sydney — An Absolute Must Visit

Wow — what a find!

As someone who roams all over New South Wales on short-stay adventures, I’ve experienced a fair share of pubs, cafes, restaurants, shops, and even the odd Men’s Shed. That’s the beauty of retirement — every day’s a chance to explore.

Today’s journey took me to the Hawkesbury Races at Clarendon, around 70 kilometres from Sydney. The train ride alone is worth the trip — under two hours of scenic charm, relaxing and peaceful, like stepping back into a simpler time.

But I’m not here to talk about horses — I want to tell you about something even more memorable. This place is a hidden gem. The food? Outstanding. Full of flavour, heart, and quality ingredients — the kind of meal you don’t forget.

And as a true beer lover, I’ve got to give full marks to the bar staff. They know their stuff — none of that rushed pour nonsense. They take the time, 2–3 careful pours to settle the perfect schooner, crisp and clean, just how it should be.

To the chef: hats off. You’ve got talent, mate. You’re not just cooking food — you’re creating moments.

If you’re ever out this way — racing or not — do yourself a favour. Step in, have a feed, raise a glass, and enjoy the kind of country hospitality that’s getting harder to...

Staff were hospitable and the setout was great. The hotel was able to host a 36 player plus pool comp and show the Wednesday night boxing match on the big screen simultaneously which the nearby Overlander Hotel chose not to do. I used a $25 gov Dining voucher on the $19 Rump on the Rocks which came with beer battered chips, Dianne gravy and salad, and $6 in a Cream Garlic topper which was served on a hot rock platter. The rump was delicious and cooked perfectly and the chips were crunchy soft yummies, but the salad was that prepacked already washed stuff that had been probably sitting in a bowl for hours drying out. Just taking a water spritzer to it would have made all the difference. The topper was nice with a couple of prawns. The pub was packed and yet the bar staff were raffling a meat tray because of reason a by Bar lady 1) Bar staff numbers could be reduced from 5 staff to 2; or reason b by Bar lady 2) the pub could be closed and there could be a carpark in its place tomorrow - I went with bar lady 1 and bought 6 tickets for 10 bucks that is until bar lady 2 came along. Either way I hardly think that raffling a meat tray will help but I guess staff are trying to do whatever they can so if you go there be sure to buy some...

My three sons , one a toddler and i just had a horrible experience with a staff member having lunch today. This lady older lady on the heavy side with long grey hair in a pony tail. My 3 year old son had a drink from another company. She wanted it removed empty . We ask if we could have two minutes and we will put it in the rubbish. She was very rude and said no. I said its only two minutes he almost done. As the poor kid was sipping it down as quickly as possible. She was very aggressive and immediately took all the food away from us. Removing the pizza my teenage was eating. And told my children and i to leave. I ask for my money back. She refused to give me a full refund. . We understand she wanted my toddler drink gone. But all we ask was for two minutes of kindness. This was completely unnecessary and uncalled for. We will definitely not be coming back and Supporting this business. And will be telling every one of our experiences. So parents beware if your toddler has a drink they don't provide. They don’t care! they will...