Dove & Olive — Restaurant in Sydney

I recently visited Dove & Olive in Surry Hills, and unfortunately, my experience left much to be desired, particularly as a parent. I had heard good things about the venue and was looking forward to enjoying some time there with my family. However, it quickly became apparent that this is not a place that welcomes or accommodates families.

While the venue itself seemed lively and inviting at first, my experience with the staff was disappointing. I approached them with what I thought was a simple and reasonable request: to heat up food for my baby. To my surprise, they outright refused. As any parent knows, this is not just about convenience—sometimes it’s about ensuring your child is comfortable and well-fed, especially in a setting where you’re hoping to enjoy a meal yourself.

The refusal wasn’t accompanied by any explanation or effort to provide an alternative solution, which made the situation feel even worse. A little care or empathy would have gone a long way, but the staff didn’t seem to be interested in helping. It was clear that accommodating families, or even extending basic kindness, is not a priority at this establishment.

For a venue located in Surry Hills—a vibrant, diverse, and community-oriented area—I expected much better. Pubs and restaurants in this neighborhood are typically known for their welcoming atmosphere and customer service, but Dove & Olive fell far short of those standards.

I understand that not every venue markets itself as family-oriented, but refusing to heat up food for a baby is a glaring lack of hospitality. Families don’t expect special treatment, but we do appreciate venues that show understanding and make even the smallest effort to help.

If you’re a parent or planning to visit with young children, I’d strongly recommend looking elsewhere. There are plenty of other places in the area where the staff are accommodating and care about making all their patrons feel welcome. Sadly, Dove & Olive is not...

TWO LAMB ROASTS WITH @australianlamb

Here are two of the BEST lamb roasts you can find in Sydney! The Sunday toast is a British tradition originating centuries back, from a Time where families would leave meal cooking in the oven while they went to church and come back to a feast of delicious meal. Lamb Toast with mint sauce and gravy is always a popular option.

Our first one is al Dove and Olive, a fantastic pub in Surry Hills and word on the grapevine says they put on an absolutely mean roast menu every Saturday and Sunday. It was my Lime to finally check it out Their lamb roast plate is huge and comes with carrot, peas, sweet potato, Yorkshire pudding, and a sweet mint jelly sauce. I haven't tried a gel sauce like this before, but it makes for a ridiculously good pairing with the lamb! The meal just falls apart as you break in with your fork and knife. It's about 80% of the way to "pulled lamb" already, so very soft and tender as it hits your mouth.

Our next spot, The Duke of Clarence, has one of the best throwback interiors of just about anywhere in Sydney. They were inspired by an 18th Century London tavern, so firstly, what better a place to try a Sunday roast (right?) and secondly, they're so darn good at making you feel like you're somewhere you're not. Wooden floorboards and benchtops, a room with cosy couches, book-lined walls and a live woodfire. I could go on! Their lamb roast comes as thick slices instead which you douse in a hot, thin gravy. The lamb here is more of a steak-like bite to it and their mint sauce is herbier, like the texture of chimichurril It also comes with heirloom carrots, broccolini, beef fat- roasted potatoes and TWO Yorkshire puddings! They have lamb roasts every Sunday and occasionally as a daily special on Wednesdays to Sundays. You'll have to walk down a dingy alleyway in central Sydney to find them !

↑Dove & Olive, Surry Hills @doveandolive

The Duke Of Clarence, Sydney...

I had been looking forward to coming to this establishment since researching it in my home country. As a tourist, when I finally get here, I was excited to experience this bar. However, when I walked towards the entrance, I was stopped by the bouncer and told that I had to wear my ball cap backwards (instead of the way I was wearing it at the time, front facing...the correct way). When I attemped to ask the bouncer why I had to wear my hat backwards, he gave me a stern look, almost as a "why are you questioning me?" look. He then repeated himself, demanding that I wear it backwards while in the bar (with no explanation). I instead, took my hat off and walked into the bar. This encounter really soured my experience with this establishment, right from the beginning and eventually led me to leave and drink and have dinner elsewhere. The rest of the bar staff were fantastic but again, customer service starts at the door! I am beginnnig to believe that he wanted me not to have my hat facing forward because it displayed the flag of my home country. This is only my guess, but it's the only thing I can think of. Again, very upsetting and quite revolting, as I think he did this cause he didn't "like" or "agree" with my...