Take Dad to a Pub for a Pint at these 5 Venues

There is no better way to Dad’s heart come Father’s Day on Sunday, September 1 than to share a pint at your local pub with the man who has raised you.

For those looking for the perfect venue to treat Dad with a cold frothy ale and pub grub that satisfies all appetites, here are five venues to find Father’s Day fun and fare with flair:

Located in the historic town of Forth, The Bridge Hotel on Leith Road is one of the longest continually running establishments in Tasmania. Nestled on the banks of the Forth River, the historic hotel hasn’t changed much – from a jilted bride to fires, floods and a murder of two, this watering hole is chock full of history, heritage listed and considered a national treasure.

 

There really is no better place to grab a hearty homestyle meal, cold beer and enjoy good old-fashioned service come Father’s Day, get the party started with duck spring rolls, served on greens with plum dipping sauce; then treat Dad to roast of the day with potato, pumpkin, carrot and gravy, or a Tipsy Texan burger with beef brisket, fried chicken, bacon, slaw, cheese and bourbon sauce.

Expect more than just great service, amazing food and a vibrant atmosphere at The Willunga Hotel on High Street in Willunga. A beer garden with an all-weather pergola, gazebos and lawn play space is the spot to head on balmy days to soak up rays with an ice-cold brew; while indoors, this heritage-listed watering hole is a throwback to colonial times with stone work providing a unique ambience complemented by fine woodwork and an open fireplace.

 

Dine with Dad on exceptional restaurant quality meals, sampling starters like pan-fried prawns with chilli and ginger cream sauce, spring onions and coconut steamed rice; then devour kangaroo and caramelised onion pie with roast pumpkin, sautéed mushrooms, sweet potato mash, tomato chutney and creamy pink peppercorn glaze, washed down with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

A Canberra institution, King O’Malley’s Irish Pub on City Walk in the heart of the city is the ideal place to grab a meal with mates, listen to live music, dance the night away and indulge in hearty pub grub. Named after a colourful politician and former insurance salesman who advocated for an alcohol ban across Canberra, this historic watering hole’s walls are adorned with tall tales and rumours about its namesake making sure the legend still lives on.

 

Start Father’s Day celebrations with buffalo chicken wings, fries and aioli before Dad slices his knife into perfectly cooked Scotch fillet steak with beer-battered fries, salad and mushroom sauce; or perhaps share a meat lovers pizza topped with salami, chorizo, ham, onion and mushrooms on a BBQ sauce base, enjoyed with an ice-cold beer. 

Standing at the meeting point of Fitzroy and Collingwood since 1853, the Birmingham Hotel on Smith Street delivers no nonsense, just good, drinks and even better service. Whether it’s just a catch-up with mates, a cheap meal, functions, a game of footy or the biggest pay-per-view event of the year, ‘The Birmy’ as it is fondly known has got it covered.

 

With 16 beer taps, a carefully selected wine list and cheeky cocktails to go with award-winning pub food, settle in with Dad and share loaded curry chips to start the celebration, then choose from an extensive range of chicken parmas from Mexican to Hawaiian and Aussie; or twirl your fork around spaghetti Bolognese with fresh herbs and shaved Parmesan.

Good pub grub, craft beer and live music are what you’ll find at the Union Hotel on Union Street in Brunswick. This locally-loved Melbourne watering hole has a leafy beer garden out back for chilling out with mates and an icy brew, local bands play at the weekend and the bar resonates with the buzz of lively conversation; while the food offering is exactly what it should be for those who visit regularly.

 

Make Dad’s day with salt and pepper calamari to begin, with fried shallots, sesame seeds, coriander and fresh salad; then wrap your hands around a char-grilled steak sandwich with cheese, lettuce, capsicum, caramelised onion and jalapeños on a Turkish roll, or chow down on pub classics like pork and fennel bangers and mash, steamed vegetables and red wine jus.