Newport Arms Hotel

The Arms boasts of having Australia's largest waterfront beer garden. It cascades down a promontory overlooking scenic Pittwater, so even if the queues are long, serenity is regained gazing at the bush and the water. The bistro offers a wide if standard range (seafood, steaks, pizzas, pasta), complete with pre-chilled salads. The standouts are the specials - grilled mahi-mahi in particular. The atmosphere is relaxed and three playgrounds keep the kids occupied. The dessert counter offering tired bought-in cakes and fluorescent gelato didn't inspire and staff seemed keener on exchanging gossip than clearing tables.