Footy Fever In Melbourne!

Aug 20, 2018

Words By Stephanie Aikins - Drinks World Editor

In Melbourne, AFL is everything. Proud Melbournian supporters will live and die by their teams and on game night, you better join em’ in their barracking cause you sure as heck won’t beat em’. For travellers or those new to the city, getting amongst it all can be quite intimidating, so we’ve pinpointed for you some of the best pubs to experience the action in a friendly, fun atmosphere. Head on down to one of these watering holes, grab a beer and a spot in front of one of the big screens and we bet you’ll find yourself yelling at that telly sooner rather than later.

 

The Great Northern Hotel (Carlton)

Northerners know that this is THE place to catch footy fever. With 10 HD screens throughout the venue and two massive projectors all playing every game, you won’t miss a second of the season. Fuel up on their stellar craft beer line up and great pub grub so you can keep the excitement going long after the final siren. At Sunday games, be sure to take advantage of their roasts. The spread changes each Sunday so you have yet another reason to keep coming back for those weekly matches.

Details:

Address:
644 Rathdowne St,
Carlton North
Victoria, 3054

Phone:
(03) 9380 9569

Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday
11am – 12am
Friday – Saturday
11am – 1am
Sunday
11am – 11pm

Website:
http://www.gnh.net.au

 

Turf Bar (CBD)

This old style gent is the king of the sports pub world. During AFL season though, he devotes himself wholeheartedly to the nation’s game. Here you’ll find three huge plasma screens with siren-to-siren coverage of every AFL game. Make use of their terrific happy hour deals before a Friday game, with $6 pints and bar snacks from 4pm – 7pm. Find you’re becoming a real diehard fan? Graduate to watching the games’ live coverage from one of the bar’s three private screening booths.

Details:

Address:
131 Queen St,
Melbourne
Victoria, 3000

Phone:
(03) 9670 1271

Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday
11.30am – late
Saturday – Sunday
1pm – late

Website:
http://turfbar.com.au

 

The Royal Derby (Fitzroy)

Although known as hipster heaven, Fitzroy is also home to this true blue Aussie gem of a pub. With its laidback vibe and variety of comfy and relaxed seating areas, it’s no wonder this place is a favourite amongst the footy fans. On warmer winter weekends, be sure to grab a spot in their large beer garden to watch full afternoon game coverage on the huge outdoor screen. During Friday night games, footy lovers can score half price tap beer, wine and basic spirits at half time. Worked up a big hunger in all the match excitement? Why not also order one of the four $15 burger options, all accompanied by chips and a sauce.

Details:

Address:
446 Brunswick St,
Fitzroy,
Victoria, 3065

Phone:
(03) 9417 2321

Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday
3pm – late
Friday – Sunday
12pm – late

Website:
http://royalderbyhotel.com.au

 

The Palace Hotel (South Melbourne)

If you’re a footy fan with a penchant for seriously good craft beer, then this is the spot for you! This local hub has 14 rotating taps, showcasing mostly homegrown beers, and daily pub grub specials. Throw yourself into the mix and barrack for your boys in front of one of their six TVs. After the game, carry on that winning feeling or lick your wounds with a beer in hand, surrounded by photos and memorabilia of some of the sport’s greatest to grace the field.

Details:

Address:
505 City Street,
South Melbourne,
Victoria 3205

Phone:
(03) 9682 3177

Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday
12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 9pm

Friday
12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 9.30pm

Saturday
12pm – 9.30pm

Sunday
12pm – 9pm

Website:
http://thepalacehotel.net.au

 

The London Tavern Hotel (Richmond)

Down the road from the MCG, this tavern has a rich history of serving up pints to the football crowd since 1921. Perfect for before or after game drinks as well as for those who missed out on a ticket but still want to get in on the action, you can’t beat the atmosphere of this pub on game night. Watch the live coverage on the big screen with a pint of your favourite brew. If you listen closely, you might even hear the cheers echoing out of the MCG as the action unfolds!

Details:

Address:
238 Lennox St,
Richmond,
Victoria 3121

Phone:
(03) 9428 6894

Opening Hours:
Sunday – Thursday
11am – late
Friday – Saturday
11am – 12am

Website:
http://www.thelondon.net.au