Breakfast Viewings, Football-Themed Beers and More: Pubs and Sports Bars in Melbourne Are Nailing World Cup Viewings
There's more than a big screen at these live sport venues, including a southside taproom and a sprawling tavern on the Maribyrnong River.
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The Socceroos are hopping ready, so it's time to decide on where you'll be cheering for them. Luckily, Melbourne's pubs, sports bars and taverns are getting equally hyped for the biggest football event on the planet. Whether you follow football leagues religiously or only tune in every four years, there is no shortage of places to get behind the green and gold. Roaring crowds, big screens and seasonal specials – here are the ten best World Cup viewing spots in Melbourne.
Garden State Hotel
Garden State Hotel doesn't do small. The Flinders Lane landmark contains the buzzy energy of the world's game over four leafy levels, with screens scattered throughout. Watch the match amongst tall ficus trees in the tiered beer garden, then wind down in the basement Rose Garden after the final whistle blows. It's also home to Tippy-Tay, so a pre-match Italian feed is very much on the cards.
Village Belle
Enjoy international football season alongside St Kilda's cheerful crowd at this heritage-listed local, which will be opening early for all Scottish, English and Aussie games. Nestled in Acland Street Village, Village Belle's sleek public bar will be screening major matches live and loud throughout the tournament. Fuel up beforehand with one of its famous parmas, including a pepperoni-and-hot-honey number, and wash it down with freshly tapped Carlton Draught.
Hickens Hotel
As the official home of Gunners in Melbourne, Hickens Hotel drew snaking queues throughout Arsenal's recent winning season. The Russell Street favourite is equipped for similar levels of die-hard enthusiasm for the biggest soccer showdown in the world. Doors open before dawn for morning matches and breakfast, with games projected across every wall and screen in the pub. Retro Abe's Athletic Hall takes booth bookings for $50 per person, which includes an hour of bottomless drinks and a snacky spread, including dimmies and party pies.
Quarterhouse
Sitting opposite Southern Cross Station, Quarterhouse is a natural meeting point for mates who are taking different trains into the city. The triple-decker pub has live sports on a four-metre-wide screen, plus an elevated pub menu that makes it easy to pop in with colleagues for a cheeky game (ahem, long lunch) during work or for knock-off drinks. Keep an eye out for a signature spin on bangers and mash featuring spiced merguez (lamb sausage) and chive mash.
Prince Alfred Hotel
Local produce and a drinks list that proudly reps Australia and New Zealand – Prince Alfred has always flown the flag for the Southern Hemisphere. Expect the same when it comes to football: the Richmond stalwart will be screening every Socceroos and All Whites match, plus England and Scotland games for the suburb's English contingent. Knockout games will be aired as well, so pull up a seat on the Italian-style covered corridor and watch the goals land.
Good Nature Hotel
Taking over the former Beer Deluxe site, Good Nature Hotel arrives in Fed Square just in time for kick-offs. The all-weather pub is already shaping up as a go-to after-work spot with all the cocktail hits, including a properly-made pornstar martini. When a Socceroos penalty goes your way, the beer garden is where you want to raise a glass with friends, neighbouring tables and passersby.
Imperial Bourke
As the established home of Melbourne's Liverpool FC supporters club, the Imperial Hotel crowd lives and breathes football. Pop into the recently refurbed rooftop to watch the game playing to your right, a breathtaking city skyline all around, and perhaps a chorizo croquette on your fork.
Richmond Club Hotel
Swan Street's favourite footy spot is trading in its yellow and black scarves for football fever this June. Richmond Club Hotel is ready for another huge round of sport, with screens plastered throughout its cosy brick-walled bar and breezy rooftop hideout overlooking the MCG. Head to the dining room for old-school pub classics like pale ale-battered fish and chips, or dive headfirst into the drama of the world's game with pints from local and regional breweries.
Anglers Tavern
When you need a break from the city crowds, Anglers Tavern on the banks of the Maribyrnong River is worth the trek west. Long communal tables and a bistro deck with sweeping waterfront views set the scene for a lively debate over the referee's call with whoever's next to you. It's open early for all Aussie and English games, and you can celebrate sweet results with soft-serve sundaes and coffee pavlovas on the revamped menu.
Hopscotch
Hopscotch (or Hoppy, as the locals call it) has serious beer cred. The Southbank beer bar has over 35 beers on tap, plus craft tinnies and bottles to work through over a month of football. In the spirit of the international tournament, the bar is pouring a new Boilermaker range inspired by teams from around the world. From decadent froyo cups and playful bar snacks like cheeseburger spring rolls and ramen-salt-seasoned fried bird to a classic brekkie menu for morning games, you're all covered on the food front. Plus, a foosball table for halftime shenanigans.
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