The Lounge Hotel & Bar, Penrith

You'll find yourself in the heart of Penrith's main drag when you push through the doors of The Lounge. It's the sort of place that works equally well for a solo drink at the bar, a date night, or catching up with friends over something stronger than tea. The interior strikes that balance between comfortable and put-together—you're not fighting against exposed brick or uncomfortable stools, but it doesn't feel corporate either. The bar staff actually know what they're doing with a cocktail shaker, and the food menu takes itself seriously without being pretentious about it. It's become the kind of spot where regulars genuinely want to be, which tells you something.