5 RCA-winning Venues Where Pub Food Rules

As we continue on our delicious drive around the country discovering the plethora of Readers’ Choice Award-winning venues, let’s take a look at those restaurants leading the charge in serving up classic pub food.

Here are five to put on your gastro pub road map:

Rejoice with good food, good beer and lots of good cheer at Hop Temple, located at the rear of Armstrong Street North. Rally family and friends to venture down Ballarat’s iconic Hop laneway and revel alongside likeminded people, either inside the unpretentious, cavernous warehouse restaurant styled with concrete floors, wooden benches and tables; or outside, with warming fires and umbrellas gearing towards casual dining.

 

Sedate a ravenous appetite with modern pub food designed to complement a lengthy beverage menu; think dishes from the pit such as Belly of the Beast - brisket, pulled pork, jalapeño and cheddar sausages, buffalo wings, fennel slaw, cornbread, corn, mac and cheese, beans, bread, sauce and pickles.

Enjoy a slice of English pub fare and vibe at Hope and Anchor on Given Terrace in Paddington. Housed in a heritage-listed 19th Century bakery, this atmospheric bar and restaurant gives a nod to British settlers who built the area, reflected in pub-style service, food and drink.

 

Relax indoors under golden lights and exposed sandstone walls, upstairs in wood-panelled booths, or outside in the courtyard, where catching up with friends and family over a pint is more than encouraged. Devour regularly changing market fish and steak specials, or chow down on a smoked rack of lamb, garlic and white bean hummus, braised eggplant and mint.

Those seeking family-friendly bistro fare with flair head to Kyneton RSL on Mollison Street. This Kyneton venue boasts a sports bar to watch live action and an inviting dining room where friends and family gather in warm and welcoming surrounds of exposed brick and blond wood table settings.

 

Grab a slice of meat lovers’ pizza with bacon, pepperoni, ham, beef, cheese and BBQ sauce to go with your ice-cold beer in the sports bar; or settle in the dining room for Scotch fillet cooked to your liking with mushroom sauce, chips and garden salad, enjoyed with a glass of red wine.

More than 150 years ago, an historic cornerstone was laid in Port Melbourne and from that day, locals have had a place to meet, catch up, celebrate and commemorate with a fine glass and good plate at The Cornerstone on Crockford Street. The 1860s’ charm and romance still greet you with original stonework and arched windows; step inside to find a comfy, modern space ideal for Sunday drinks with friends or your next big event.

 

Join the lively crowd for pub food specials such as Burger Day on Wednesdays, when you can devour a cheeseburger with a glass of wine or pot of beer for just $22; or dine a la carte and delve into creamy chicken curry with rice and chips.

A touch of royal treatment awaits diners at the iconic Merewether Hotel, The Prince on Morgan Street. There's a breath of fresh air for this local favourite with new ownership and management pumping new life into the hotel, with extensive renovations from the kitchen to balcony bar, sports bar and dining room.

 

Set over two levels, enjoy a pint with starters like housemade duck spring rolls and Chinese BBQ sauce; then cosy up with pasta and lamb ragu, enjoyed with a glass of Shiraz, or porchetta with soft polenta, jus, charred broccolini, anchovies and lemon dressing.