Some pubs are just drinking spots. Others are full-scale experiences — the kind that pull you in with warm service, distinctive menus and the unmistakable hum of happy patrons. Across the country, these standout venues are reimagining what a pub can be, blending great food with personality-packed settings that make you want to linger. From heritage buildings to contemporary spaces, here’s a guide to where your next pint should come with a side of something special.
Set in the heart of Dean Street, Public House is more than just a local watering hole — it’s a gathering place built on a genuine love of hospitality. With open, light-filled interiors and a polished yet relaxed energy, it’s the kind of spot where you can settle in for an afternoon and watch it slide seamlessly into night. Created by a local for locals, this venue exudes a neighbourhood warmth with just the right amount of sophistication.
The menu is a celebration of flavour without pretension.
Crowd-pleasers like Peking duck pancakes arrive with tender slow-cooked duck
and all the classic accompaniments, while the prawn and chilli linguine brings
a satisfying balance of heat, citrus and richness. For seafood lovers, the
barramundi paired with Thai red curry, crisp greens, sticky rice and fresh
herbs is a standout.
Secure your table and make an evening of it.
Blasta Brewing Company - Burswood, WA
Meaning ‘delicious’ in Scottish Gaelic, Blasta Brewing Company lives up to its name with both its beers and its plates. Located in a beautifully converted red brick warehouse, this boutique gastrobrewery is the final piece of the Blasta Collective puzzle. Inside, high ceilings and industrial charm set the tone for a laid-back yet refined drinking and dining experience, complete with beers, whisky and gin brewed on-site.
The kitchen delivers pub staples with an inventive twist.
Start with five-spiced fried squid paired with kaffir and smoked spice mayo,
then venture into dishes like wild Scottish langoustine dressed with truffle
roe fraiche and candied citrus. Whether you’re chasing an award-winning craft
beer or a modern take on beef Wellington with truffled mash, you’ll find plenty
to keep your palate entertained.
Book a tasting session and discover your new favourite brew.
The Social Bar & Eating House - Bendigo, VIC
In the bustling centre of Bendigo, The Social Bar & Eating House is where locals and visitors come to linger. The vibe is chic but unpretentious, with pendant lights casting a warm glow over a lively crowd. You can perch at the bar with a signature cocktail or settle outside to people-watch, all while catching glimpses of the kitchen team at work.
On the plate, it’s all about shareable bites and hearty
mains. Wagyu cheeseburger spring rolls paired with smoked tomato chutney are
playful yet indulgent, while Japanese-glazed pork belly skewers balance rich
meat with crisp, fresh accompaniments. Those after a larger feed can opt for
premium cuts like the eye fillet or ribeye, or go for the parmesan-crumbed pork
cutlet cotoletta — crispy, juicy and deeply satisfying.
Reserve your spot and taste why it’s a Bendigo favourite.
Mirboo North Hotel - Mirboo North, VIC
Tucked into the rolling hills of South Gippsland, Mirboo North Hotel offers a slice of country charm alongside a classic pub menu. The sunny beer garden is the perfect perch for live music and a cold drink, while inside, wood-panelled walls and exposed brickwork create a nostalgic backdrop for an easygoing meal.
The food is proudly Modern Australian with a nod to the
classics. Seared scallops with silky pea purée, crispy prosciutto and parmesan
chips make an elegant start, while Southern fried chicken with salad and peri
peri mayo brings a burst of spice and crunch. For a heartier main, the outback
parma — topped with bacon, smoky BBQ sauce, cheese and onion rings — is as bold
as it sounds.
Plan your visit and enjoy a taste of Gippsland hospitality.
North Byron Hotel - Byron Bay, NSW
Radiating coastal charm, the North Byron Hotel blends lush garden surrounds with breezy interiors to create the quintessential Byron Bay hangout. There’s a rhythm to this place — a flow from sunshine to sunset, punctuated by the sounds of live music, bursts of laughter and the clink of cold drinks.
The menu champions fresh produce and local seafood.
Wood-fired king prawns arrive glistening in macadamia XO butter with chives,
while harissa lamb ribs bring a hit of spice mellowed by sumac yoghurt and
fresh herbs. From beer-battered snapper to gourmet pizzas, every dish feels
tailor-made for lazy afternoons and lively nights.
Lock in a table and let the Byron vibe take over.
These pubs prove that a good night out doesn’t stop at the bar — it extends to the plate, the atmosphere and the stories you take home with you. Whether you’re chasing coastal breezes, country charm or urban buzz, there’s a seat waiting for you.
