PUBS
Melbourne's pub culture is interesting and vibrant, relaxed and fun-loving. You'll find local pubs that take pride in being the city's cultural engine rooms, offering up quality gourmet meals, boutique beers on tap, comedy and cabaret performances and plenty of live music.
Head out on a weekend to sample Melbourne's pub scene at its very best. In summer, beer gardens throughout the city overflow with eager punters looking to extend their Sunday session well into the night. Winter months are also a great time to grab a pint, and join a quiz or a crowd in a cosy Melbourne pub.
Follow our guide to join in the fun at some of Melbourne's finest establishments.
Belgian Beer Cafe, City
Enjoy a veritable smorgasboard of Belgian beers on tap, while you sit back and enjoy the jazz. There's also a gigantic beer garden to frolick in with friends at this St Kilda Road pub.
Standard Hotel, Fitzroy
The Standard's beer garden can accommodate up to 200 people, but this is not a place to party. Come here for a lazy drink with friends, some good pub fare and a relaxed vibe.
Corner Hotel, Richmond
A true Melbourne pub hosting some of the city's best gigs and with the added bonus of a huge rooftop deck and beer garden with spectacular city views.
Metropol, St Kilda
Party under the palm trees and make friends with the stylish St Kilda set at one of Melbourne's largest outdoor drinking areas. An excellent menu is also on offer.
Windsor Castle, Windsor
Drop by for a chicken parmigiana, a 'pot' of local beer and other traditional pub fare. Enjoy it all in the Windsor Castle's atmospheric beer garden lit by flickering tealights, or the cosy bar.
Town Hall Hotel, North Melbourne
A no frills and refreshingly unpretentious place with a leafy garden out the back and some excellent menu offerings. Perfect for a long, lazy beer garden breakfast.
Beer in Victoria
Beer on tap is ordered by the 'pot' (285ml), glass (210ml), pint (holds two pots) or jug. You can also buy beer in cans, 'stubbies' (squat glass bottles) or 'long-necks' (750ml). Victorians favour local brands like Melbourne Bitter, Carlton Draught and Victoria Bitter (VB). Other Australian favourites are Coopers, Cascade and Boags.
Ale and stout drinkers will be delighted to find fantastic locally-made varieties like Moonshine and Yarra Valley Gold. Look out for bottles labelled 'Grand Ridge Brewery' from Victoria's Gippsland region.
