Press PLAY to hear Tony Leonard’s full review

Topic: Best pubs in Melbourne to watch the weekly and AFL Grand Final

OPENING: 

For this week, I thought I would head a little off topic and offer some of my favourite pubs in Melbourne to watch the footy.

What sets these pubs apart is that they are destination pubs, or in other words, instead of going to your nearest and convenient local (which will show it), but head somewhere, that the broadcast is an event and real atmosphere is created without having to deal with the Newcastle trots, or Geelong dogs.

This is not a new thing: Indeed rather than watch it on your free to air back in the 80s, crowds would snake down Toorak Road hoping to get into the Toorak Saloon to watch Melrose Place, a staple of channel 10.

This list is by no means exhaustive as I’m sure I have missed plenty. So for the record, here they are divided into gold/silver/bronze medalists. I have limited to eight to go to watch the footy – anytime during the year.

BRONZE MEDALS:

Rose, Fitzroy: One of the originals to recognise the power of footy as a drawcard to your pub. A young Matty Richardson was a barman here (sadly too much froth) and private AFL fantasy leagues have been known to meet here, in different rooms, and do mock drafts for their teams for the year to come.

Bells, South Melbourne: Grand final day would regularly see this place full to the gunnells, where early arrival ensures a much sought after sought after table.

No need for security, legendary publican Billy Bell was a one man band, in spite of the fact he couldn’t go a yard, (another of the originals). Multi-storey now and fabulous.

All Nations, Richmond: The Latin phrase ‘Acta Non Verba’ applies here. Not only is the pub set up in a cheek to jowl setting most days, but their actions in supplying a courtesy bus to and from the G is next level.

A rat run has been perfected from the bottom of Lennox St to the home of footy. But if cold, the ANH has the best dimly lit snug/back bar in the area making it impossible to leave.

Glenferrie Hotel, Hawthorn: Perfectly set out, with a quasi theatrette/retractable roof in the BG so no matter the crowd, your own area can be easily claimed and the comfort levels are first rate.

While many of its inner city brethren can have a tiny bit of grunge, the Glenferrie is like having a seat at the President’s lunch.

Duke of Wellington, CBD: No self respecting list of pubs would omit this legend, the atmosphere from outside blends in perfectly and is the meeting place pre/post game for many.

But such is the set out over multiple floors that leaving here can be a challenge.

The Empress, Fitzroy North: Deceptively popular, little rectangular area to the rear of the (show the footy or project films), this has been a go to for a few years with the owners understanding the importance of sport to the lifeblood of the pub.

If your favourite is too packed, make the effort to get to the Empress. You won’t be disappointed.

SILVER MEDAL:

Great Northern, Carlton North: Imposing pub in the backblocks, this pub regularly is at capacity at any stage of the weekend. Bit darker inside, cracking front bar, the beer garden always packs out, the GNH has had this loyal following for football years.

Like the ALL Nats, the front bar in a pig game is cheek to jowl, but that doesn’t deter the punters. Trade on Macduff.

GOLD MEDAL:

London Tavern, Richmond: Space, atmosphere, shelter from elements (if needed, the LT is the all weather pub), the London Tavern has the one deciding factor that gives it the nod: Atmosphere.

The oohs and aaahs from the nearby G is the soundtrack to a wonderful afternoon/evening when a game is played there.

The pub is brilliantly run, and should the need arise to head there/or leave, the short cut up the lane means you are figuratively within touching distance of the sporting temple.

Stood the test of time.

Closing: Noteworthy is the Retreat in Brunswick to the foregoing list, but as this is so personal there will be ones mentioned that will provoke argument.

The common factor is that these pubs have recognised this for ages that well run pubs, with an eye to showing the AFL, is a sensational value add to the business.

Go Dogs.