Now Open: Nixie Nox Is Richmond's Smallest Pub with a Big Personality (and Vintage Vibes)
Nixie Nox's clear direction and mindful design are proof positive that sometimes, size isn't everything.
Standing out as a pub in Richmond is no easy feat. But as there's no shortage of multi-level venues equipped with beer gardens, balconies and sports bars, perhaps it's time to mix up the mood with a drink at the inner east's smallest pub, Nixie Nox. But in a case of less being more, the tight space has seen Melbourne hospitality veterans Stu Bellis, Marilla Gair and Chris Dore cram enough personality into the venue to foster something akin to the neighbourhood pub experience of old.
So, just how small are we talking? All up, the venue has capacity for 80 patrons, spread among the lively, 40-person public bar, the 25-capacity covered outdoor atrium, and an intimate upstairs dining room that seats just 25.
While the kitchen fit-out required a little creativity, Nixie Nox's food punches above its weight, relative to the venue's size. Here, a menu by head chef Stacey Tuara (ex-Meatmaiden) showcases elevated pub classics, as well as dishes catering to vegetarians, vegans and diners with dietary restrictions — no easy feat on a list of just four share plates and four mains. Shares include six-hour beef burnt ends glazed with Wolf of the Willows Hazy Pale Ale and served with preserved chilli mustard and a refreshing green sauce and miso mushroom daikon cakes paired with crispy chickpeas and black vinegar reduction.
Mains display similar thoughtfulness and reverence for classic pub fare — a silky and rich lamb ragu pappardelle is given some serious depth with the addition of smoked parmesan and basil oil, while the Hard Nox Parm sees crumbed sous vide chicken breast topped with fresh mozzarella and smoked sugo.
The drinks list is similarly considered. Craft beers and hard-nosed brews are poured from a duo of taps or plucked ice-cold from the fridge in tinnies, stubbies and longnecks. Sure, there are complex IPAs and XPAs to mull over — or you can grab a no-nonsense staple like a VB or XXXX Gold. There's also a curated wine list that explores Australian and overseas labels — with almost all available by the glass — alongside an extended cocktail list spanning classic, house and 'elevated' creations like a millilitre-perfect dry martini served in a chilled Nick & Nora glass.
"Nixie Nox is more than just a pub — it's a place where locals can come together, connect over great food and drinks, and feel at home," says Bellis. "We've poured our hearts into creating a welcoming space that reflects the spirit of Richmond, and we can't wait to share a drink and a story with everyone who walks through our doors."
Nixie Nox is open Wednesday–Thursday from 4pm–late and Friday–Sunday from 2pm–late at 141 Swan Street, Richmond. Head to the venue's website for more information.
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