Railway Hotel

Not to be mistaken for Port Melbourne's Railway Club Hotel, the Railway Hotel is one of a string of really rather good pubs on the Southern side of Ferrars Street. Its impressive beer selection is on a par with the nearby Palace, Wayside or O'Connell's hotels, yet this 1850's inn real ace is a unique charm that can't be bought in.

For starters it's a bit of labyrinth, with front and back bars, open fire, pool table and pinball, non-invasive dining area and function room, and a surprising beer garden tucked behind the neighbouring house. The décor, around the long snaking bar, is fabulously old school with a mixture of art deco features, pressed metal and linoleum all old enough to have become cool again. Out front a sign proudly proclaims it a pokie-free zone.

Renamed after Melbourne's second train line (now the 96 tram route) opposite, the pub originally licensed as The Napoleon Third, manages to be both a good honest boozer and an appealing place for the residents of the affluent Albert Park and South Melbourne streets nearby.


Beers on tap: Carlton, Boags, Hahn Superdry, James Squire Pilsener/Golden, Heineken, Budvar, Guinness, Little Creatures Pale Ale, White Rabbit Dark Ale, Vale IPA
Wine range: $8 - $8.50
Parma: Oddly, no
Gastro: No, but way above average
Tradie vs Yuppy: To feel most comfortable, leave the suit or fluro jacket at home