VICTORIA’S COSIEST PUBS

There is no better way to fend off the Victorian chill than by sipping on a locally brewed beverage by an open log fire in one of the state’s best country pubs

Forest Brewing Company

From rough and rustic heritage boozers to experimental breweries in revamped sheds, there is a regional watering hole for all tastes.

BRIDGE HOTEL, CASTLEMAINE

Quirky, comforting, and nestled in the grassy end of town, The Bridge Hotel is a family-friendly haven of quality eats, drinks and live music. Grab a table near the firepit out back or nestle by the indoor fireplace. Ingredients for all the pub classics are sourced direct from local farmers including Yapunyah Chickens, Angel Organics Lamb, Gung Hoe Growers, The Food Garden, Tuki Trout and Windarring Urban Mushrooms. On tap there is a range of local beer, cider and wine to quench any thirst.

Bridge Hotel

FORREST BREWING COMPANY, FORREST

Small scale brewing at its best, Forrest Brewing Company has resurrected, renovated and extended the old general store to deliver a brewery, bar and dining hall in one. Committed to craft beer and regional living, guests will be charmed by stories of both. With an intentionally casual vibe, enjoy lager brewed onsite, paired with a meal indoors by the fire, or out the back overlooking the Otways.

Forest Brewing Company

MITTA PUB, MITTA MITTA

Steeped in history dating back to 1906, The Mitta Pub (formerly the Laurel Hotel) is one of the North East’s true iconic watering holes. A popular destination for fishermen, nature lovers, campers and caravaners, The Mitta Pub offers cosy open fires, an extensive beverage list, hearty meals and an all-round comforting stop in the wintertime. Having recently undergone an extensive renovation, the pub now offers top-notch facilities without losing any of its historic charm.

PEPPERCORN HOTEL, YEA

Situated directly opposite the old Yea Railway Station and the Great Victorian Rail Trail you will find Peppercorn Hotel, a beautiful historic hotel older than the railway line itself. The Peppercorn’s Kelly Dining Room harks back to another era with its old English oak tables, comfortable chairs, and a wood fireplace. Located in the heart of cattle country, the quality of their steaks is no surprise. Be sure to try the famous sticky date pudding, a permanent feature on the menu.

RADIO SPRINGS HOTEL, LYONVILLE

Comfortable, cosy, eclectic and eccentric, the Radio Springs Hotel and their old-school country hospitality will not disappoint. Each of the five spaces inside has its own crackling fireplace to keep guests toasty from top to toe. Head Chef Yvan Meunier delivers a clever menu full of seasonal and stylish pub fare.

Radio Springs Hotel, hasselback potatoes

THE BUNYIP HOTEL, CAVENDISH

An institution since the 1840s, James Campbell and Matt Nettleton are the most recent in a historic line of publicans to take the helm of the Bunyip Hotel. Sourcing their menus from local producers and sticking true to their classic country pub ethos, the Bunyip Hotel has perfected the fireside ritual with delicious comfort food and great beer and wine.

The Bunyip Hotel, Roast pumpkin

THE WANDI PUB, WANDILIGONG

The Wandi Pub is the sole public house servicing Wandiligong and its 250 residents. The pub is always bustling, with visitors travelling from far and wide to experience their award-winning hospitality. Situated conveniently in Victoria’s High Country, local and touring bands perform outside on a Sunday afternoon among the fresh country air, fire pits and fairy lights of the beer garden. As snow begins to fall on the neighbouring peaks, visitors can cosy up inside by the roaring wood fireplace.

The Wandi Pub

TOOBORAC HOTEL AND BREWERY, TOOBORAC

The Tooborac Hotel was built in 1857 of bluestone, ironstone and granite. It stands proudly on the Northern Highway, 40 minutes south of Bendigo as the oldest National Trust-listed country pub in Victoria—renowned for being family friendly with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Find the comfort of a fireplace in both the main bar and dining room, with the crackle and glow welcome company while enjoying a quiet ale.

Tooborac Hotel and Brewery

THE COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL, TRENTHAM

Sitting prominently on the corner of High Street and Cosmo Road, The Cosmopolitan has long held a place in the heart of the Trentham community. Located in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges, the Cosmo’s philosophy is to showcase the region’s exceptional and abundant produce in their menus and contribute to the region’s vibrant and festive atmosphere. The beer garden is beautiful but on colder days, the converted stable with open fire makes a cosy hangout.

The Cosmopolitan Hotel

MAIN IMAGE: The Cosmopolitan Hotel

COPY & IMAGES: COURTESY OF VISIT VICTORIA