Public House

Overview

Richmond sometimes feels like a sneaky little devil. It has more than its fair share of hidden gems, but doesn't yell too loud about it. Wine bars, cafes and more pubs than anyone really needs.

If you're a fan of Richmond and pubs you've probably heard of Public House, found on the not-so-glamorous corner of Swan and Church Streets. It is a pub — yes indeed — but while they have steak nights and burger nights, they also hold nights for cocktails and share platters. A mature pub, one might say.

But for us, the real draw card is the rooftop bar. Again a sneaky one, this roof isn't trying to make any 'Top Rooftop Bars' lists, but it's cute and is open to the air. And that's all you need, really.

The menu is doing pretty well for itself as well. Share plates see duck spring rolls served with wasabi, ginger, ponzu and palm sugar dip ($12 for three pieces) while the corn pop chicken bites served with roasted garlic and parmesan aioli ($9) are like grown up chicken nuggets in all the right ways. If you're looking for something a little heartier — or perhaps you're just opposed to sharing — go for the cauliflower gnocchi served with peas, parsley, parmesan and sherry cream ($21), or whole baby snapper served with cherry tomatoes, lemongrass and chilli broth ($27).

For the drinkers among us, cocktails like the cinnamon spiced sangria come in jug form ($30), or else there is the Gin Squiz – lemon juice, rosemary, blueberry jam, gin and St. Germain elderflower liqueur ($18) — for those drinking alone. If you're steering clear of spirits, start with a glass of the NV Petaluma Croser from the Adelaide Hills ($12 glass) or perhaps a White Rabbit Dark Ale from Healesville ($9.50). An Australian-heavy wine list and a rather international beer selection rounds things off.

Well done Richmond. You seem to have one this round, yet again.

Images: Giulia Morlando.