By WENDY HARGREAVES
Pubs and bars will be among the last places to re-open their doors if health experts have their way.
Australian National University microbiology professor Peter Collignon has told the Sydney Morning Herald that social “intermingling” in pubs meant they would need to stay closed until September.
But that ban won’t stop our city’s publicans from serving hearty take-away and home delivered meals, along with a cheeky beer or wine. Some even pre-mix the cocktails. Here are a few of the best.
Lamaro’s Hotel
273-279 Cecil St, South Melbourne
South Melbourne’s classic gastropub is now a grocer and wine shop, and every Thursday one of Lamaro’s international workers (who are ineligible for Covid-19-related government help) take over the kitchen from the pub’s veteran chef and part-owner Geoff Lindsay (pictured above). They then design special set menus available for pick-up. Place your orders here.
Spread Eagle Hotel
372 Bridge Rd, Richmond
Take-away and frozen heat-at-home meals include comfort food gems like chicken, bacon and leek pot pie with veggies and golden puff pastry, along with all the pub classics. Order online.
The Plough
333 Barkly St, Footscray
For every $30 spent at The Plough, the pub will donate a meal to healthcare workers at Footscray and Sunshine hospitals. Lasagna, beef ale pie and red duck curry are just a few of the dishes on the menu here. Pick-up available on Thursdays and Saturdays from 3.30pm–6pm (but you must place orders by 9pm the day before, available until sold out).
Green Man’s Arms
418 Lygon St, Carlton
Here’s one for the vegetarians, with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options thrown into the mix. Alcohol is also available to pick up, including a growler fill-up service. Open daily from noon-3pm and 6-10pm. Put your orders in online.
Paradise Valley Hotel
249 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, Clematis
Every Wednesday, the Paradise Valley crew cook and deliver free meals to people in need in their community. If you’re struggling, and you live in the Dandenongs towns of Avonsleigh, Clematis, Cockatoo, Dewhurst, Emerald, Gembrook, Kallista, Macclesfield, Menzies Creek or The Patch, contact the pub here.
Kent Hotel
370 Rathdowne St, Carlton North
Starting this Saturday from 3pm, the recently renovated Kent will offer great value take-home meals, plus tap beer at $10 for two litres. Bargain. Better still… for every $30 spent, the Kent will donate a meal to local health care workers. Customers can order online or rock up on the day for take-away.
The Prince Public Bar
29 Fitzroy St, St Kilda
Pick up take-home packs of Thai classics like curry, green-papaya salad and caramelised pork hock from the hotel’s front desk. There’s also a selection of wine, beers and cider. Order here or walk in to place an order.
Brandon Hotel
237 Station St, Carlton North
The Brandon is looking after the locals with home delivered meals and booze across the inner north. The wagyu burger is a highlight, with all the good bits and a side of fries. The menu includes kids’ meals. Order here.
Bar Margaux
Basement, 111 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
This French bar is delivering Gaelic goodies across metro Melbourne. Think beef bourguignon and cassoulet, with buttery mash and beans, with your favourite wine, of course. You can also order cute little single-serve bottled cocktails from Margaux’s sister venue The Everleigh. Visit the website to order deliveries from Wednesday to Sunday.
Hawthorn Hotel
481 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn
The Hawthorn Hotel has closed until bans are lifted, but is still helping people. With thousands of hospitality workers out of a job, the pub’s kitchen is providing $3 meals to hospo workers. The pub’s owner, the Australian Venue Co, is also providing free meals for any of their staff who are not eligible for government assistance because of their visas.
