With a beer culture as old as the city itself, you’ll find pubs standing proudly on boulevards, tucked away in suburban streets and hidden in laneways. Shout yourself a glimpse into Melbourne life at any of these well-loved pubs. Words by Jocelyn Pride.
Built in 1854, this classic pub has both stood the test and moved forward with time. The perfect blend of the old and new it’s where you can hang out in the front bar watching sport on the TV over a counter lunch or have a full-on degustation in the tastefully renovated dining room. Margarita Mondays are a good excuse for a post weekend drink. 91 Cardigan St, Carlton, hotellincoln.com.au
If only all restored buildings could look this amazing. With space for over 800 people, yet oh so intimate, the Garden State is a welcome new addition to Melbourne’s CBD. Designed around a central atrium with cosy spaces like the stunning Rose Garden (perfect for a fancy cocktail) and the atmospheric public bar with its classic snacks menu, this is pub for all occasions. There’s even a private dining room that seats 20. 101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, gardenstatehotel.com.au
Winner of nearly as many awards as there are craft beers on tap, this is serious beer drinker’s territory. The relaxed club-like atmosphere makes it a favourite with locals, especially for the Sunday night trivia challenge or Local Laughs on Monday nights – stand-up comedy with a mix of international and local talent. Not to mention the musical line up on the weekends. And for outdoor lovers, the rooftop courtyard has a wood fire for those chilly Melbourne nights. 184 Carlisle St, St Kilda (also in Darlinghurst, Sydney), thelocal.com.au
Named in honour of the ‘infamous’ bushranger, this magnificent blue stone walled building overshadowed by office buildings, is a nod to Melbourne’s halcyon gold rush days. The front bar fills up fast (particularly at day’s end) and there’s also an indoor/ outdoor courtyard. Food is locally sourced from sustainable farms and it’s easy to enjoy a few hours here by simply soaking in the ambience. 34 Franklin St, Melbourne, captainmelville.com.au
If there’s one establishment that screams ‘Melbourne’ it’s this iconic hotel. Where else can you drink with a nude masterpiece valued at millions of dollars? Chloe, painted by French artist Jules Joseph Lefebrvre has graced the walls of this classic hotel for more than 100 years. Directly opposite Flinders Street Station, the location couldn’t be better and don’t miss the view from the roof top bar. 1 Swanston St, Melbourne, youngandjacksons.com.au
As the first Melbourne pub to introduce craft beer (way before it was trendy), this corner pub in a quiet suburban street in Richmond is a true locals haunt. The ‘what’s on’ is what we all want to see – Monday night for locals, Tuesdays for parmas, Wednesdays for trivia and Thursday is steak night. The plain exterior is deceptive, inside is all about old dressers filled with treasures and cosy couches to sink into. 12 River St, Richmond, roystonhotel.com.au
A country pub for city slickers. Reopened in 2016 after a massive renovation, the heart and soul of Fitzroy’s oldest pub still remains. AFL footy is the theme of the public bar with memorabilia, bar snacks and TV screens. Head upstairs and you’ll find a sleek wine bar, specialising in boutique style Australian wines. The classic ‘what’s on’ list includes a traditional Sunday roast with all the trimmings and the pub is particularly kid friendly. 406 Napier St, Fitzroy, therosefitzroy.com.au
Classic and classy, this beautiful circa 1850’s pub nestled into a quiet leafy street was recently revived by renowned chef, Geoff Lindsay and restaurateur Paul Dimattina. Pub grub with a modern twist, cooked ‘just right’ is at the heart of the menu. The spaces are both cosy and elegant with a stunning marble semi-circular bar the centrepiece of the main bar. A popular spot for that all important lazy long lunch. 273-279 Cecil St, South Melbourne, lamaroshotel.com.au
Kid and dog friendly, it’s a relief to know this type of old school style pub still exists on the edge of a bustling city. Don’t be fooled by the humble appearance, with great craft beer, wholesome food and the type of service where the publican sits and chats, this is a shining star of true local Melbourne pubs. Food is sourced as locally as possible (especially from the nearby South Melbourne market) and once a month there’s bingo and a spit roast in the beer garden. 505-507 City Rd, South Melbourne,
Open seven days a week, this no frills, unpretentious hotel has been serving the local community since 1872. With a full-on gig guide featuring established and the up and comers of the music world, this is a great place to catch a show on the weekends (especially the Sunday session). The public bar is jammed with music memorabilia and the beer garden brings a country feel to city life. 33 Errol St, North Melbourne,
