The Hayberry Diner & Bar — Restaurant in Sydney

Having spent nearly four decades in the hospitality industry - managing restaurants in five-star hotels around the world - what stands out to me most when I walk into a place where people eat and drink is, first and foremost, how one is received. Of course, the ambience plays a role, and I naturally glance at the menu. But for me, whether I choose to stay or walk away often depends entirely on the first person who takes my order - whether it's a drink or a meal. Over the years, I've become quite good at reading people, especially those in the service industry. Many waiters or restaurateurs, unfortunately, are in it because they believe it's easy money. What they often lack is the commitment and charisma needed to justify why the drink in my hand - a simple double gin and soda - outside of happy hour - costs almost as much as an entire bottle of gin I could purchase in a liquor store. We go out not just for food or drink, but for an experience. And that’s something employees behind the bar can too easily forget. But yesterday, I met someone who reminded me why going out matters - someone who gave me a reason to stay and truly enjoy my drink. JD who, believe it or not, is short for Jack Daniels, was that person. For awhile, he helped me forget the heartbreaking news I received two days ago: the loss of my sister. I had been crying so much that my husband suggested we leave our apartment, sit in the sun, and sip a gin and soda. JD made that hour feel lighter. I could actually smile, even laugh. He radiates genuine fulfillment in what he does. I love that in people. You can feel it the moment he greets you - with warmth, with a twinkle in his eye, and with that attentive energy in his body as he prepares your drink. He sings while he mixes, and he crafts each drink with care - another rare quality I’ve come to notice and appreciate when recruiting staff worldwide. There are those who believe that the exterior, tattoos and piercings, for example, are what leave a mark. For me, it’s the ones who shine from within who truly make a difference. Thank you, JD, for easing my pain yesterday with your...

Vibe so on point!!

The Hayberry at Crows Nest. “Rustic bar with leather booth seats. Burgers, booze, blues and rock and roll”.

What we ate:

Beef Nachos & Three Tacos - Pulled Brisket with ranch slaw, chimichurri and pickled onions, Southern Fried Chicken with ranch slaw, chipotle mayo and jalapeños and Baja Fish with lettuce, citrus sour cream and pico di gallo. BEST brisket ever!

Multiple seating options available with a choice of booth style seating in the front bar to watch the bartenders in action and people watch, high tables in a more intimate dimly lit setting with rustic corrugated iron walls lined with whiskey bottles or in a large beer garden at the rear with festooning fairy lights perfect for larger groups. Bookings available and be sure to also check out their Happy Hour offering!

Vibe and music so on point at this Crows Nest gem. Its loud and that’s exactly how it should be! I can’t wait to revisit! Shoutout to Chris and his awesome crew for looking after us. Highly recommend a visit to The...

Love the rustic vibe of this bar, the music they played inside were my favorite, a pretty cool place to hang out at on a Friday evening.

The wide selection of alcohol at the bar counter instantly caught my eyes and my friend and I were after some nice cocktails. The servers were well informant, pretty helpful with the recommendations.

We ordered their signature cocktail which I didn’t remember its name but it was perfectly concocted to my liking. I believe the main ingredient for that drink was lychee and it really brought out the taste of it and made me crave for more, not to mention the unique drawing they crafted on the foam.

One drink wasn’t enough and we went for another cocktail which was good too. I had bbq wings for snacks and they were good, but a tad too spicy for my liking.

This place is such a gem. Would love to come back again for more drinks...