DRINK > The Central Club Hotel (North Melbourne)

The Central Club Hotel sits on Victoria Street in North Melbourne, it is right on the city fringe close to Elizabeth Street, across the road from the Queen Victoria Markets and a stones throw to Carlton.

The convenience of the location makes this a popular venue but it is the combination a smart refreshed fit-out, great pub food and a smart drinks menu that lift this venue to be one you will want to keep going back to.

The menu features pub classics, burgers ($25), schnitzel, chicken parmigiana ($28), beer battered fish & chips, steaks and pasta’s. They are all excellent value. The 250 gram porterhouse served with cos lettuce salad and hand cut chips ($38) is a perfect choice. A chicken schnitzel with chips, salad and a choice of sauce ($26) is a serious meal.

The wine list is not long but features an excellent range of wines at a very reasonable mark up. They have 12 wines available by the glass, when we visited the whites included a Sauv Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and a Gruner. There were a couple of rosés and four red wines by the glass, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Barbera.

One of the secrets about the Central Club Hotel is the downstairs cocktail bar ‘The Depot’ here you will find a hidden away stylish speakeasy with an excellent range of whiskey’s on hand and smart cocktails made to perfection.