Pub entertainment in Victoria
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Builders Arms Hotel
A completely re-imagined bad old boozer that’s retained its charm despite theatrical new threads. Come for a pot by all means, but there’s also decent wine by the glass, a blackboard cocktail list and big Middle-Eastern flavours at the bar or in the dining room. Picnic style tables on the footpath outside are perfect for taking in Gertrude St.
reviewed
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Union Club Hotel
A die-hard local swimming in earthy good vibes, and happy chatter from the relaxed indie crowd. The large curved bar is one of Melbourne’s best spots to park it, the food is good honest pub nosh and the beer garden is lazy Sunday begging on a hot day.
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Great Britain
This big corner pub does the dingy local thing with panache. Noted for its own brand of beer called 'Piss' and a low-alcohol version called 'Piss Weak', there are few other pubs where you can ask for a pot of Piss without anyone batting an eyelid. The GB will even call in a pizza from across the road. This gladly gloomy stalwart livens up later in the week, with a clubby basement - open late.
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Transport
This ultramodern, glass-walled pub occupies an enviable position for people- and river-watching. It’s big, brassy and busy. On Friday nights it’s shoulder to backbone with yuppies on the prowl. One floor up is fine-dining at Taxi and the 3rd floor is devoted to the decadent Transit Lounge, with gorgeous leather couches, intimate corners and a spectacular wine and spirits menu.
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Collins Quarter
This collection of bars is like a hotel without the rooms upstairs and without the bellhop palaver or aggressive pricing. It’s a grown-up space with few rough edges but has a timeless appeal. There’s a variety of different areas and moods. A magnolia tree sprouts from the courtyard and inside there’s a wood fire burning.
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Irish Murphy's
Irish Murphy'sBegorrah! Another Irish bar? Sure, they serve Irish ales and ‘the black stuff' with the odd whiff of leprechaun about the décor, but it's also a casual pub that attracts locals and visitors alike, especially for its Smart Arse Trivia Night on Wednesdays.
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Windsor Castle
Cosy nooks, sunken pits, fireplaces and flocked wallpaper make the Windsor Castle extremely attractive – if on a winter’s night this way you stumble. The Castle gets chaotic on sunny Sundays when the grass umbrellas, board shorts and bleached hair come out in force. You’ll either love it or loathe it.
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Kent Hotel
This is the quietly upmarket Rathdowne Village’s local and its position opposite leafy Curtin Square and footpath tables make it very popular. There’s no shortage of good wines as well as beer on tap, and the restaurant has had a respectable reputation for many years.
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Rathdowne Tavern
This grand old hotel has had the decorators in and the smart open room seamlessly segues from the more formal dining space to a nice place to pull up a chair and order a glass of wine (there’s a huge range of by the glass options) and some olives. Bar snacks are a treat.
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Doulton Bar
Part suburban-style bistro, part dimly lit lounge bar, the Doulton Bar caters to those craving chicken parmas, icy pints and an eyeful of St Kilda’s comings and goings. Nab a spot at the curved front window with full-length Acland St views for maximum effect.
reviewed
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The Standard
Boasting one of the best beer gardens in Melbourne, the Standard is anything but its moniker. Down-to-earth bar staff and a truly eclectic crowd enhance an atmosphere defined by live music, footy on the small screen, and loud and enthusiastic chatter.
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Man
‘The Man’ hotel has been around forever, is open all year and is a top nightspot. In winter it becomes a club, cocktail bar and live-music venue featuring popular Aussie bands. Very good pub dinners and pizzas are available ($11 to $28).
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Phoenix
Three levels of jungle-printed, suede-couched, polished-timbered and plush-carpeted style ensure plenty of atmosphere at this CBD fave. It’s unpretentious, and everyone from high-powered suits to empty-pocketed students is able to fit right in.
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James Squires Brewhouse
Big, brassy and boozy – a good place to work off a waterview-aquired thirst or if you’ve just dropped anchor. The pilsner and IPA are good for a sweltering day or there’s some darker drops for when the weather comes in.
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Bended Elbow
English brews flow from the taps of this popular British-style pub, with live bands playing on weekends and snug booths to hole up in. Upstairs Level 1 is a club space that plays dance pop. Cheap meal deals (parma night etc) on weeknights.
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London
This was often a sailor’s first (and only) point of call, but today this portside pub is as well known for its food as the coldness of its beer. It’s ideal for watching the sunset or the Spirit of Tasmania depart.
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Labour in Vain
Boy’s own beer barn with a pool table and lots of Marvellous Melbourne–era charm. Upstairs there’s a deck perfect for lazy afternoons doing a spot of Brunswick St perving and imagining the horrors of 6pm closing.
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Town Hall Hotel
The Town Hall is an unfussy local. Live music is staged free in the front room from Thursday to Saturday, otherwise they’ll be spinning some classic vinyl. There’s a beer garden and pub meals are also available.
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Gunn Island Hotel
Friendly regular pub with 16 beers on tap and popular counter meals, including parmas the size of your head. It’s park-side and really pleasant for a Sunday afternoon, but it gets very crowded on weekend nights.
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Napier Hotel
The Napier has stood on this corner for over a century and many pots have been pulled as the face of the neighbourhood changed. It's still a great spot for pub grub.
reviewed
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Hotel Nest
The Nest’s super slick and airy makeover is deeply Vic Ave. As befits the surroundings, the food is pub-plus (ie wagyu burgers), the wine list is long, and the beers obscure or imported.
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Xchange Hotel
A long-standing fixture on the Prahran scene, the Xchange plays host to a variety of customers and covers all the gay bases. A good, fail-safe meeting spot.
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Sandbar
Hang out in the only licensed beer garden in town. Local, national, original and mainstream bands play on Thursday to Sunday nights.
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Kooroora Hotel
Rocks hard and late. There’s live music on Wednesday night and most weekends, with the occasional top-line act.
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Commercial Hotel
A friendly, low-key pub in Melbourne’s inner west that presents drag shows every Thursday and Saturday night.
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