Melbourne - Australia 2004 - page 561

WHERE TO SHARE A PINT
Something fun to do if you want to have a few drinks and meet a few people is
to take one of the City Pub Walks ( & 03/9384 0655 or 04/1208 5661). The
2 1 ⁄ 2 - to 3-hour walks stop off at a variety of interesting pubs and bars where you
can sample the local brews (at your own expense). Tours leave from “under the
clocks” at Flinders Street Station at 6:30pm Tuesday and Thursday.
Pubs have varying hours of operation, but generally stay open from mid-
morning until at least midnight most nights. Many remain open until 2am or
3am on Friday and Saturday nights, and you can always find a few open
24 hours.
Bridie O'Reillys Bridie O'Reillys is one of Melbourne's best Irish pubs, com-
plete with traditional dark-wood decor and good beer. The two-level pub has
19 different beers on tap (7 of them Irish). There is live Irish music every night
from around 9pm. The place gets quite crowded on weekends. 62 Little Collins St.
(just off Exhibition St.), City. & 03/9650 0840.
Belgian Beer Café Bluestone Belgian beer culture in all its forms. Pretend
that you're in Brussels in this extremely atmospheric cafe. Full-bodied Belgian
brews dominate. While downing your pint, try the traditional streamed mussels.
In warmer weather sitting in the parklike garden outside is a delight. 557 St Kilda
Rd. & 03/9529 2899.
The Cricketers Club Bar Locals come to this popular English-style pub to
lift a glass surrounded by the relics of Australia's summer passion. Glass cases are
packed full of cricket bats, pads, and stumps, whereas the plush green carpets
and solid mahogany woodwork give the place a touch of class. In the Windsor Hotel,
103 Spring St., City. & 03/9653 0653.
Jimmy Watson's Wine Bar While probably not the best spot for a pint,
Jimmy's is somewhat of an institution and is one of Melbourne's oldest wine
bars. The bar itself is a cozy affair where all types of people chat while sampling
a vast range of wines. In the attached dining area, excellent food is expertly
teamed with the perfect wine. Come to talk or simply read the paper. 333 Lygon
St., Carlton. & 03/9347 3985.
The Prince St. Kilda This pub is a legend among the locals. Though recently
refurbished, it retains its original rough-at-the-edges appearance. Bands, some of
them big names, play most nights. 2 Acland St., St Kilda. & 03/9536 1100.
Windsor Castle Up Chapel Street and through Prahran is Windsor and its
best-kept secret, the Windsor Castle Hotel, home of the local stylemeisters. This
is a perfect weekend meeting place for good pub food, which can be enjoyed in
the sunny courtyard or in the plush interior. You'll find DJs and barbecue on
weekends. Look for the giant pink elephants outside. At the corner of Albert and
Upton sts., Windsor. & 03/9525 0239.
The Young and Jacksons Hotel After a major renovation, Melbourne's old-
est (and arguably most famous) pub is a newfound pleasure whether for a drink
or a full dining experience in the stylish upstairs restaurant or bistro areas. Head
upstairs to see the naked Chloe, a famous painting brought to Melbourne for the
Great Exhibition in 1880. The pub, which was built in 1853 and started selling
beer in 1861, has a few years on Chloe, which was painted in Paris in 1875. The
painting has a special place in the hearts of customers. At the corner of Flinders and
Swanston sts. & 03/9650 3884.