Press PLAY to listen to Tony Leonard’s full review

Jekyll and Hyde Tavern

Where: 175 Acland St, St Kilda

Phone: 9489 8705

Internet: www.jekyllandhyde.au

SCORE: 13.7/20

NOVEMBER 21

VENUE: What a fun way to conclude this year’s pub of the week segment with a first time trip to this clever bolt hole in the guts of Acland St, and in its own understated manner, fits in so well with its environs.

Like its name, Jekyll and Hyde wears two distinct faces;

– Dr Jekyll Tavern is at street level and is a vibrant meet and greet space where fine beer, food and Britpop is dispensed (music at the right level, hallelujah!).

The smallish bar is the centerpiece with tables surrounding it. The kitchen is partially visible to the rear, with a stack of Yorkshire puddings awaiting plating for its roasts.

Not quite cheek to jowl but there’s a cosy sized crowd in (it’s another cold November day).

– And now the mystery: Where is the Mr. Hyde bar? Hard right, up a narrow staircase, through the secret book-shelf (wall papered swinging door), to a garden bar for quieter drinks before turning into a nightclub later on.

Let’s stay downstairs. The wooden tables are adorned with cutlery, napkins and bottles of HP sauce.

There’s a little space to stand at the bar (you may be in the way though) and a range of beers, Tennetts, Guinness, Stone/Wood, Moretti are a choice from eight taps, the latter chosen @ $14. (No pots; Hmmm).

Wine list doesn’t exist per se, so it’s a choice of varietals from the fridge or rack. In Dreams Chardonnay, very good @ $14pg.

Tab: No
Pokies: No

There is an issue here that is so easily remedied. On Sundays, the menus are reduced to 3 -4 entrees and mains are roast only. Two things disappoint;

– No notice that this is the case
– Here is some cracking good stuff that would make for great conversation (anyone for coronation blue crab rolls, pickled cucumber, tomato, chilli).

Team: So easily remedied. That said the one and only main thing was a beauty.

HIGHLIGHT/S:

Main: Roast, $30/35 (higher price reflects the 3 meat combination), plenty of meat, thick slices, great gravy, all traditional backing band; roast spuds, carrots , pumpkin, cauliflower puree, supersized Yorkie. Yes.

Something Different to Eat: Entree: Scotch egg, black pudding, sriracha mayo, $16.

One of only a couple of starters available, this was an excellent example of a most popular dish, finding more traction on pub menus in 2025.

Honourable mention to choc chip bread/butter pudding, vanilla bean ice cream. Stop it!!

Surcharges: None displayed.

Summary: Can’t help but like this place. And in many respects, this type of offer may become the norm over time, encouraging young entrepreneurs to go into pub hospitality at a more affordable starting price than established venues that come with the big price tag.

Places like Jekyll and Hyde, and its nearby neighbour Lion and Wombat can be a model adapted anywhere (Brycee’s Tavern, Mooroolbark springs to mind) that provide the pub experience but on a smaller scale.

With the corporatisation of pubs showing no sign of abating, this style of offer may well be commonplace in years to come.

Jekyll and Hyde Tavern may be/is a neat glimpse into the future.