Tony Leonard’s best pubs for the second quarter of 2026
Press PLAY to listen to Tony Leonard’s best pubs for the second quarter of 2026
Review second quarter: June 1 to August 31 2026
SEPTEMBER 4
OPENING: The second quarter for 2026 continues a golden run for pubs this year, where hospitality has never been better. All elements of a pub, be it food/drink or just the basic community contact they provide, continues to grow.
New/revived ownerships/operators continue to flourish. Two such were the Doutta Galla (12/6) and Laurel (14/8) Hotels, in nearby suburbs. Both had the most appealing offers and looked set for long runs.
And while there are still a few pubs doing the basics, most pub food menus have a bit of dash to them, making choice harder but far more interesting than ages past.
Same too with wines, where an uncommon (to pub wine lists) varietals are cropping up. For example, Bobbie Peels (Aug 21), resembles a larger wine bar (plenty of tap beer), making a strong case to stand close to the old style bar and choose differently.
HIGHLIGHTS: Three pubs that really delivered over this period;
● Montague Hotel, Sth Melbourne. This pub has really found its niche in a beautiful part of Melbourne. In essence two rooms, but has its table service flying, and the food is bang on in price and quality.
Staple of pubs are bangers and mash; here the quality of product is better than most. Free tip? As it’s getting warmer, head outside and dine in Park St. No traffic to speak of, and a pleasant way to pass the time.
● Kingston Hotel, North Richmond. Wonderful back street boozer, known for aiming higher and delivering better. Set out over three compact levels, the front bar has one of the more desirable areas (six chairs, small table, fireplace in front with TV overhead) in Melbourne to socialise.
Entree of the year: Scallop Shell Pie (two/$19). Shell covered in pastry, with a filling of prawn/scallop/mussel in green curry sauce. Delightful.
● Cherry Tree, Cremorne. Almost impossible to find in the backstreets – Rosella Factory is the historical reference – this pub has ebbed and flowed with changing times but now, bang on food (Wednesday steak day may be the best in Melbourne) and service level – Anita in charge on the floor – is unmatched.
Brilliant refit over the journey, this is Melbourne pub life at its best.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS: Briefly, each pub had something to recommend. Park Hotel had a fantastic Sunday Roast, where families, kids, dogs, barflies lived in overcrowded harmony; Hampton Hotel is a relatively new addition (formerly a cafe) and has a plentiful entree of tempura aubergine which is spot on.
Friendly Societies is the rebirth of the Carringbush Hotel, and retains all of its old world charm. The Laurel Hotel has reopened (TAB has been removed) and much has been rearranged but the pub exudes comfort.
Try the Beef shasliks. a highlight. And the aforementioned Bobbie Peels, fab wine list and great food, has the best 2 x 2 tables for two in Melbourne. Go there and you will find out.
Pub of the Year Nominations Part Two: There were two pubs nominated for the De Bortoli Pub of the Year from the 1st Quarter. These were, the Kent Hotel, North Carlton and Albion Hotel, Collingwood.
Added to this for Pub of the Year honours is the Cherry Tree, Cremorne.
On a nondescript Wednesday lunch, the pub was bulging but staff ensured a beat was not missed. This was lunch, and I doubt whether any for its size would be fuller than the Cherry Tree.
The only hassle is parking – good luck there – but having lived through the days of a heavy criminal element 40 years ago, the CTH reflects the changing demographic, without losing its pub soul. Excellent.
Summary: Good pubs again to the fore in the second quarter, and pleasing to note that the superior offerings are not that much more expensive than the tried and true. Beer/wine/food pricing remains stable. Surcharges are a fact of life so always go to a pubs website as they must be displayed.
Another pub will be nominated in the next quarter and the Pub of the Year will be announced on December 11 2026.