Tony Leonard’s best pubs from the first few months of the year!
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Review 1st Quarter: 30th Jan to 31st May 2026
MAY 29
OPENING: The first quarter for 2026 was a great start with a number of pubs revitalised after a break/change of ownership. Indeed all three reviewed during this period were fine examples of Melbourne hospitality, all different in their approach;
● Stags Head, Williamstown. A belter of an old world boozer, slightly off the main drag in Cecil St, highlighted by a beautiful back room diner offering three roasts on Sundays.
● Kent Hotel, North Carlton. Everything going for it, including its address in Rathdowne and fabulous al fresco setting opposite the park.
● Auntie Annies, Kensington. The Old Quiet Man in Racecourse Road. Two sides to the pub, with a fine diner – Enbarr – offering a point of difference. Irish to its bootstraps.
HIGHLIGHTS: There were numerous highlights during this period from the overly generous (seniors roast, Rosstown) to the first time combination of tempura mushrooms, stracciatella, Mount Macedon Hotel. The latter, under new ownership, is one of Victoria’s best looking pubs.
Australian Venue Co. (AVC) continues at a furious pace in either acquiring, building, or reimagining spaces throughout Melbourne.
They have assumed the mantle of the big dog in the kennel and while this has been operating over 18 months, the Gardiner Hotel, Malvern, is a fine example of ‘new’ hospitality.
The death of the quiet little drink is exaggerated with the Gold Diggers Arms, Newtown, a brilliant example of being out of the way but forever in demand. Just a fabulous spot to get away for an hour or two, in peace, with your family. Repeat the above comments for the Albion, North Melbourne.
From the higher end steak offer of the Station, Footscray (another AVC), to the fun offering from the Inkerman with dim sims, potato cakes and Irish curry sauce, Melbourne is being well serviced by its pubs.
Pub of the Year Nominations: In a most competitive three months to start 2026, two pubs are nominated for the De Bortoli Pub of the Year. These are;
● Kent Hotel, North Carlton. For much of its life, the Kent has been a standout for the package of food/drink/hospitality. This iteration has seen all standards maintained and elevated, due in part to a declutter in the front bar, giving the Kent a more traditional feel.
It’s not that often that a pub, with all of its fine food offerings advised to leave space for desserts. In short, leave space for the house made apple pie.
● Albion Hotel, Collingwood. This is a resurrection rather than a rebirth. An old pub, aka The Punters Place saw an eclectic cross section of society gather there. New eyes now, nerves of steel (especially financial) have turned an ugly, but much loved duckling, into a glorious swan.
Everything on point, including a smashing bargain on Sundays, $3/oyster, sourced from Tasmania, with two intricate sauces to elevate them. The Albion is flying.
Summary: At least another three could be included so good was this sample of pubs during this period.
Excise on beer remains static so your mean price of a commercially available beer remains around $7.5/pot.
Always look for surcharges on weekends/public holidays. My frustration with these is that while it is understood that they are needed to cover wages, surely there comes a time on these days that the additional costs are covered and normal service can resume.