ABOUT
INTRODUCING US
This is a local pub on a corner in Fitzroy. That's how we've treated it since 2006 (although it's been here since the 1850's) & that's how our customers expect to find it. That doesn't mean that we don't insist that the food's fresh, the beer tastes like someone cares about it & the wine & spirits have been given some thought. It's just that your local should feel like a pair of jeans you've had for ages, comfortable & reliable. Not rocket science really but something Melbourne could miss if it wasn't there.
We like playing records & watching footy, usually not at the same time but unsolicited opinions about either are likely to come from both sides of the counter. We call that conversation around here & much prefer it to the sound of gambling machines. So if that has appeal, then you've come to the right place.
BEER TAP LISTING
Right now we have Carlton Draught, Guinness, Boags XXX, Stomping Ground, Balter and Little Creatures. There will always be some combination of pale, hazy and brown beers.
FUNCTIONS
A week wouldn't go by where we don't do some kind of function, from meetings, birthdays, launches, even a wedding here & there. So come down & have a look or get in touch & we'll see what works. There are no hire fees or minimum spend requirements but we do suggest you celebrate your 18th Birthday & that thing people do before they get married, at your place.
RECOMMENDATIONS
http://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/nightlife/directory/bar/commercial-club-hotel
"My mate Paddy is a St Kilda supporter and runs a proper pub in Fitzroy. Hanging on the wall in the main bar is that photo of Nicky Winmar defiantly pointing to his stomach. The power of that photo tells you a lot about the pub and a lot about Paddy."
Bob Murphy, The Age, May 23rd 2013
“RULES”
#1 The Publican makes the rules, the rules are subject to change.
#2 Everyone is allowed to barrack for their team as long as everyone else is allowed to barrack for theirs.
#3 You should never drink anywhere that doesn't take your beer glass out of a fridge.
#4 You should never 'go on all the rides' & then complain about what it costs.
#5 Evan from Rockit Barbers says 'Pony tails are for chicks & ponies.' It's a rule.
#6 If you're in a shout with the Publican any beer he can reach is his.
#7 I don't 'punch gloves' & I don't run threes (for the cricketers).
#8 If there are more than four people for dinner you do not have time to carve a bird.
#9 There should never be electronic music playing while you are eating your breakfast.
#10 In this life it pays to know who the good guys are, even if it's by working out where the bastards lurk.
QUOTABLE
'Show up on time, know your lines & don't be a dick'. Maurie Fields advice to Rebecca Gibney
"I love having that available to people, because it gives people courage to see, wow, Lou Reed made that thing? That was horrible. This is great for all of us who know how hard it is to find a style, find a voice." Laurie Anderson on her husband.
"Then the lights go out and it's just the three of us,
Yeah, you, me and all that stuff we're so scared of........" Bruce Springsteen 'Tunnel of Love'
"It's more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like what about lunch?"
Winnie the Pooh
"If you wake up in the morning, you get another chance" JM Symes
"The devil made me do it the first time. The second time I done it on my own." Waylon Jennings
"There is nothing which has been contrived by man by which so much happiness is produced, as by a good tavern or inn".
Dr Samuel Johnson
“Religion is a group of people’s agreement about what God is & a relationship with God that’s political, because it requires a consensus. Spirituality is one person’s intimate, one on one relationship with God. That’s above & beyond politics. I don’t care, Jesus Christ can be your personal saviour all you want’ but as soon as you start telling everybody else that they’ve got to get to God that way, you’re in trouble, it becomes political.”
Steve Earle to David McGee, 2004.
CREDITS
Images: J Forsyth
Design: Isaac Norman