Pub:        Hotel Barkly
Where:    109 Barkly St., St. Kilda
Phone:    9525 3332
Date:       24 September 2010
Score:      13/20
Internet:    www.hotelbarkly.com

There could only be two options on grand final eve – a pub in Collingwood or St. Kilda. 

Given that I am on first name basis with near enough every pub in the Abbotsford/Collingwood, the spiritual home of the saints it had to be.

As far as pub life goes, St. Kilda is a bit of a mystery and doesn’t fit any prototype.  It doesn’t have the cutting edge of the north as far as meals, the attraction to the CBD that port/south Melbourne has, nor does it trend towards the outer suburbs of pokies and famous burgers/parmas etc.

Indeed, the most famous pub in this neck of the woods was the Newmarket in Inkerman St., universally known as the house of 'schnitzs and tits'.

It is unmistakeably St. Kilda the location of this pub – corner of Inkerman and Barkly with a massive ad for Linenhouse and Nick Rewoldt staring straight at you.

The pub looks like an equilateral triangle and all the action takes place in the Pretty Dulcie bar at ground level. 

Sadly access to the 'Next Level' a 4th floor beer garden was denied on this day, but I am certain that it provides great views of surrounding suburbs. I do know that it is very popular on Sundays and is fodder for Lillians column as a place to be seen.

So why is it so popular? The bar is unremarkable – TAB goes quietly in the background as the music is played at a sensible level.  Some Red Bull tables to stand around, a texas hold ‘em video game awaits in the corner, a couch to sit a couple people on and a grungy but non-threatening feel to the public bar.

But it is the last aspect that may be the key to it all.  It has an innate energy that once you walk in, it somehow wins you.  It is not faux funky – thank goodness - but cheap, cheerful and friendly.

Ok, the food is basic, but make no mistake they do plenty of it.  So here goes;

•    All pizzas are $7 and not a miserable and meagre offer.  The 'Rex' is a nice, hot tasty mix of pepperoni, Napoli and cheese. Good.  Even better, on Monday and Tuesday all pizza is $2.

•    Steak sanga and chips with the lot is $8 – good too

•    Chicken parma was $14.  Proclaimed as St. Kilda’s biggest, it was a monstrous bit of chook, covering a large plate and chips.  Too good for me, I got through about ¾’s.

Hot dog, $6, hamburger $8 – not much to say about it but cheap.  I asked about a wine list and I don’t recall one being offered but rather a pick from behind the counter.  I have no doubt that a sommelier is a 9 letter target word from the Age rather than someone who chooses the wine at the Barkly.

The pub works and it is unfair to put a mark on it.  I have come up with a 13, based more on the buzz they have created, rather than a parma and chips.

It isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but I liked it:  I really did.

Postscript:
It wasn’t to be for Saints, losing in the replay.  The pub was hopeful of a royal and triumphant visit should Saint Nick have brought them glory, decked out on GF eve in the Red, White and Black. Be assured, if they win a flag, this WILL be the spot for all loyal followers to celebrate.