FOOD & DRINK Features
Melbourne’s Winter Pubs with Fireplaces
Winter is coming. In fact, it’s more or less here. But that doesn’t mean you have to be a hermit for the next few months! We’ve scoured Melbourne’s pubs and bars to find the best fireplaces to snuggle up to and enjoy a bevvy or two.
Tramway
165 Rae Street
Fitzroy, 3068
visit website
This hidden gem is a favourite amongst locals of the Fitzroy area. The Tramway is best known for its excellent burgers, hand cut chips and home made tomato sauce. The fireplace is located in the main dining area, and a table close by is a prized possession in the wintry months. The staff are lovely, indie pop rock plays all night, and band posters adorn the walls. If it does get a little too hot there is also a fairy-light filled courtyard and seating out the front. Our hot tip is to go on a Tuesday night for excellent burger deals.
Photo by tramwayhotel.com.au
Alderman
134 Lygon Street
Brunswick, 3057
Tucked away in the back room of the Alderman is its warm hearth, where visitors happily while away the hours with good conversation or a spot of Boggle (yes, as in the board game). While it is our opinion that a red wine and open fires are a match made in heaven, Becks is on tap and going at a reasonable price, which is exceptionally hard to argue with. Snack on some Sicilian bar food that is on offer and enjoy the intimate nook.
Photo by tromal via Flickr
The Local Taphouse
184 Carlisle Street
East St Kilda, 3182
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This place is the ultimate sanctuary for beer aficionados, with 20 craft beers on tap at any one time. Interestingly, the fireplace is located in the outdoor courtyard, providing the warmth without the stuffiness. This European inspired neighbourhood tavern also serve up filling traditional pub fare, so arrive hungry. Other options for keeping warm at the Local Taphouse include using their indoor bocce pitch, but we’re pretty excited to get fireside this winter.
Photo by thelocal.com.au
North Fitzroy Star Hotel
32-36 St Georges Road South,
Fitzroy, 3068
visit website
This pub has not one, but two fully functioning furnaces in the establishment, which is music to our frost-bitten ears. This pub is home to the Fitzroy Lion’s football club, so you can always expect locals donning their team’s colours, and AFL games playing on their televisions throughout the weekend. There may be a new chef in town but the North Fitzroy Star Hotel are still well known for their hearty pub meals. It might give off the ‘old man pub’ vibes from the exterior, but it really is a great local.
Photo by northfitzroystar.com.au
Writer – Hannah. V
