6 Watering Holes to Whet Your Appetite and Your Whistle

The term ‘watering hole’ in relation to a well-loved local pub gained widespread use in the 1960s and pertained to cosy cocktail lounges and swank nightclubs, where people could gather and mingle over drinks.

These days, it is used for favourite haunts such as neighbourhood taverns and hotels where everyone knows your name, the pub grub is always great and the beer ice cold. Here are six you need to try next time you say ’meet me at the watering hole’:

Built as a haven for Margaret River’s emerging surf culture in the 1970s, The Settlers Tavern on Bussell Highway is always evolving to ensure all locals and visitors feel right at home. With a panoramic tree-lined view visible in all directions and framed posters of famous shows and surf events lining the original brick walls, this watering hole welcomes everyone for an ice-cold brew and bite to eat.

 

When it's time to refuel and power through the rest of your week delve into a delicious bowl of spaghetti marinara, loaded with sustainably sourced fresh Aussie seafood; or chow down on slow-braised lamb shank, with rich gravy, mash, steamed carrots and fresh green beans.

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 leather booths, or outside in the courtyard over an ice-cold pint and pub grub such as regularly changing market fish and steak with sides of shoestring fries and Brussels sprouts.

Welcome to a taste of the Emerald Isle in the heart of Melbourne at The Irish Times on Little Collins Street. Exuding a warm, relaxed and friendly vibe, the ambience is genuinely Irish with wrap-around bars, traditional dark wood, fireplaces, stained-glass windows and rugby memorabilia reminiscent of classic homeland pubs.

 

A great spot for a pint of Guinness, settle in for a session with mates over nightly specials such as chicken parmigiana with a glass of beer or wine, juicy Irish sausages with creamy mashed potato and thick rich gravy, or chow down on a beef burger and chips.

Junee Hotel on Seignior Street is an historic watering hole offering comfortable and charming accommodation, delicious meals and refreshing drinks. A landmark in the area since it was established in 1878, this hotel has been lovingly maintained to retain its original character and ambience, along with friendly service and warm hospitality.

 

Join locals at the bar for an ice-cold pint before devouring a Black Angus rump steak sandwich with lettuce, beetroot, tomato, onion, cheese, BBQ sauce and chips; or pan-fried chicken with avocado, Hollandaise sauce and prawns.

For craft beer and quirky pub fare, Surry Hills locals drop into Dove & Olive on Devonshire Street. Step through the door and be enveloped in a warm, rustic vibe with hanging leadlight lights, pale wood tables and leather couch seating, opening onto a green courtyard, where guests can perch on a stool, ale in hand and catch up with friends.

 

Plating up Mod Oz fare with a hint of American comfort, choose pub classics such as beer-battered flathead, fries, tartar sauce and salad; or dine on the weekend for the roast special with a choice of beef, lamb, vegetarian, vegan and all the trimmings.

 

Find a welcoming country pub feel and fare with flair at The Home Hotel on Warburton Highway in Launching Place. Nestled by the Yarra River in Upper Yarra Valley, this historic watering hole has been everything from a Cobb and Co staging post to a post office since it was originally licensed in 1883; in 1905 the building was damaged by fire and in the 1930s a shoot-out and armed robbery took place at the hotel, which is also rumoured to be haunted.

 

All that history makes you hungry and you won’t be disappointed with a hearty meal such as slow-roasted lamb shoulder, braised cabbage, crispy chat potatoes, chimichurri and jus; or twirl a fork around seafood pasta with chilli, fresh mussels, fish, calamari and prawns.