A sample of what to expect at the Village Belle.

Village Belle

A rollicking hangout,low-key boozer and classy cocktail bar in one.

  • Dani Valent andEmily Holgate
Collingwood’s Bendigo Hotel.

Bendigo Hotel

Longtime live music haunt now home to a local craft brewery.

  • Daniela Frangos
Snacks include Scotch eggs and other old-school faves.

Morning Star Hotel

Bringing pub culture back to Williamstown.

  • Daniela Frangos
Inside The Gardiner Hotel.

The Gardiner Hotel

A revamped watering hole with a sun-drenched rooftop terrace.

  • Daniela Frangos
On Wednesdays,spicy fried chicken burgers are $15 at The Rochey.

The Rochey

A rebooted classic serving burger specials and $8 happy hour pints.

  • Daniela Frangos
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Double Happy.
11.5/20

Dead flies in the soy sauce:Our critic’s verdict of George Calombaris’ Chinese restaurant

Callan Boys digs the cosplay dining room,but wonders if diners should spend their money at a theme-park tribute or a family-run original.

  • Callan Boys
Steak is available in three cuts.

Batesford Hotel

A revived pub with an epic beer garden just outside Geelong.

  • Gail Thomas
The hand-cut,double-cooked chips are a cut above.

This 1860s pub punches well above its weight for food (even if there’s no chicken parma)

Bobbie Peels’ simple dishes − including these chunks of fluffy spud − have surprising depth.

  • Dani Valent
Pirate Life’s Melbourne pirate ship is a cruisy,spacious food hangout.
14/20

This huge brewpub in Nowheresville is a bold move (much like its drink-friendly food)

Pirate Life’s beer is made off site,so does its 200-seat venue stand on its own terms as a food and drink drawcard?

  • Dani Valent
The historic Victoria Hotel was built in 1868.

The Victoria

A beautifully renovated gem in Rutherglen.

  • Richard Cornish