Melbourne’s cold winters don’t compare to North America’s icy depths, but punters will recognise the log cabin-channelling comfort of The Wood Samaritan in East Brunswick.

Owners James Frew and Lauren Turner (both ex-Naked for Satan) flipped an old Malaysian restaurant into a bar decked out with Canadian-inspired bric-a-brac. A moosehead eyeballs you at the bar, lace-up ice skates dangle from the wall and there’s even a full sized canoe hanging from the ceiling.

Knick-knackery decorates each of the five rooms over the two storeys, extending to the handmade wooden beer taps topped with a deer antler, turkey or mountaineer. Beer and wine come in cans or keg because, says Frew, they’re considered more eco-friendly. All beers are local and Riot Wine Co is on the juice, and the bar’s rocking weekday drinks special of half-priced tinnies and cheap vinos is a crowd-pleaser. The cocktail list is likewise on theme.

In a nod to America’s favourite sandwich, the Negroni is made with peanut butter-washed bourbon and vermouth infused with strawberry jam, while the Bloody Caesar, made with housemade clamato (tomato and clam juice), is a lure for any Canadians in town.

When it comes to the all-important snacks, head chef Nick Ringdahl has a salty, smoky booze-friendly line-up. The frickles (battered coins of pickle) spend a moment in the fryer and are best enjoyed dunked in aïoli, while the smoked salmon (cured in-house, as is the pulled pork) wins the pretty plating prize with its piped dill and caper cream cheese. It’d also be rude to turn down the poutine.

The Wood Samaritan delivers a cosy bar experience with a north-of-the-border vibe matched with distinctive drinks and glorious grub, the package enhanced by service with a smile.