More than 200 punters, publicans and industry heavyweights were at Collingwood’s recently revamped Gasometer Hotel on Monday for the inagural Time Out Melbourne Pub Awards.
Hosted by Good Beer Week co-founder Miro Bellini, the evening also marked the launch of the first-ever Time Out Melbourne Pub Guide – a definitive new list of the top 50 pubs in the city.
Deafening applause met the announcement of Pub of Year winners Terminus Hotel. Best Beer List went to Werribee’s craft brew kings the Park Hotel, proving that sometimes, the ‘burbs still do it best. Andrew McConnell’s perfect cheese sandwiches and fish pies made the Builders Arms Hotel worthy winners of the Best Pub Food gong. [continues below]
Brunswick's Edinburgh Castle took out the Family Friendly Award. The Yarra Hotel was awarded Best Entertainment, while the Savoy Tavern picked up the Revival Award.
Fitzroy stalwart the Rose Hotel won the Legend Award, with Matt and Melanie from the warm and friendly Reverence Hotel awarded Publicans of the Year.
St Kilda’s Local Taphouse, which has in excess of 300 different beers available every year, picked up the People’s Choice Award.
“Pubs are as integral to the fabric of Melbourne as trams or footy. Any entertainment guide worth its salt should celebrate them,” said Time Out CEO Michael Rodrigues.
This time around, it was Time Out's turn to put on a spread, with brisket tacos, beef sliders and fried pickles paired with Little Creatures pale ale, pilsner and Rogers’ ale, and Apple Thief Cider’s Granny Smith, William Pear and Pink Lady varieties.
Upbeat soulsters the Holiday Adventure kept feet firmly planted on the dance floor, while a lucky few scored great prizes on the chocolate wheel, raising money for the good folk at Ozharvest.