Green Man's Arms

Overview

Kombucha on tap, halva ice cream and house-made falafel. No it's not a new music festival, but rather a pub in Carlton. Meet The Green Man's Arms, a 100 percent vegan and vegetarian establishment owned by legendary publicans and artists Alison Whyte and Fred Whitlock (The Terminus, Yarra Valley Grand).

"We have one vegan child, one vegetarian and one omnivore," says Fred. "As a family, we hardly ever eat animal meat protein anymore. We just want to create a friendly little place that has food that is fast, fun, fresh, affordable, delicious and healthy. A place that is full of our crowd, our crew."

In collaboration with Israeli chef David Raziel, the duo has created an animal-free menu, based on ethically-sourced seasonal produce. For pub snacks there's house-made falafel; pan-baked Yemeni lahuh bread; fried eggplant with soft egg, Israeli salad and tahini; and green beans with mushroom and creamed corn.

Among the mains are a grilled vegetable salad with beets, red cabbage, onions, almonds, labne and pomegranate dressing; and house-made couscous with rich stock and roasted vegetables. Dessert offerings include house-made halva ice cream and knafeh pastry with ricotta, pistachios, pickled grapes and syrup.

Punters can feel even better about their cruelty-free feast by matching it with a vegan wine. You'll find both De Bortoli's Vinoque Yarra Valley Nebbiolo Rosé, and Lobethal Road Pinot Gris on the list, while local brewers are well represented too. Look out for Hawkers Pilsner, Stomping Ground Saison and Holgate Mt Macedon Pale Ale. Designated driver? Get all the bubbles and none of the headaches with a glass of sparkling kombucha served on tap.