The Duck Inn Pub & Kitchen, Chippendale

Sipping on some drinks and dining on a brilliant duck tasting plate at The Duck Inn Pub & Kitchen is the stuff of summer. Head Chef Naomi has created a menu that goes beyond your average pub lunch. The English-style fare is pub-friendly in the way it doesn’t neglect burgers and steak sandwiches, but there’s a little bit of a gourmet twist thrown in for good measure.

The duck tasting plate is of course their signature dish! A special creation by Naomi, it’s a beautiful board of duck liver pate, duck rillettes, duck ham, cornichons with our toasted sourdough bread. We also devour another crowd favourite – the Classic Oz Beef Burger with tomato, beetroot, cheddar cheese, coral lettuce, BBQ relish and aioli on our Brioche Burger Bun with a side of fries. I can see why it’s a favourite – it’s a very tasty burger indeed.

But other than the delicious food, it’s the eclectic décor here that draws me right in. Owner Ben has revamped the pub to look like a home away from home with mismatched furniture, fresh flowers and even large jars of almonds and olives perched atop the bar. The wide space is punctuated by light woods, printed cushions and some pretty spunky bar stools with “EAT”, “DRINK” or “QUACK” stamped on them.

There’s even a cosy reading corner, hemmed in by faux bookshelves thanks to the wallpaper. And I’m pretty mesmerised by the Rock Icons Last Supper painting by Paul Karslake that adorns one of the walls. Hanging on another wall is a painting of a suited up duck with a martini in hand. A duck can’t get more debonair than that. A beer garden area outside lets your catch some sun rays while you munch away on your delightful lunch. The Duck Inn is your perfect escape this summer.