The 14 Best Pubs In Geelong

By
Judy -
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Pub Geelong

As Victoria’s second largest city, it’s no surprise that we have some amazing, unique, and historic pubs in our fair city for both residents and visitors to enjoy. With multiple beautiful districts, a stunning waterfront, and a rich history, many great pubs call Geelong home. Whether you have lived here for a long time, or you’re coming for a weekend getaway, you’ll want to eat good food, drink top drinks, experience some live performances and if sports of gambling’s your thing, maybe catch a match or play some poker. Whatever your type of night out you enjoy or quiet drinks with friends you’re looking for, we have some amazing choices for you, so many in fact, that we have decided to put our top picks on a list for you, so you don’t miss out on some of the best pubs in Geelong. From casual drinks to huge functions, there is something for everyone in our beautiful city. So if you are looking for somewhere great for your next pint, or to make some lifelong memories, keep reading and find some Geelong landmarks and hidden gems that every pub-goer can enjoy. We reckon that you will be pleasantly surprised by some of the amazing entries on this list, so read on, and find the best Geelong pub for you. 

1. Fyansford Hotel

Fyansford Hotel Geelong

We’re kicking off our list with one of the oldest and most unique establishments in town. The Fyansford hotel is a heritage-listed building, built in 1854 that has been renovated into a beautiful bistro that hosts all kinds of fun, functions, families, and friends. Located in the Fyansford suburb to the west of the city, this 200 seat venue boasts a choice of great spaces including their main public bar, their intimate lounge room, a scenic outdoor courtyard, and even a kids playground to keep the little ones entertained. On top of the regular bar and restaurant services, they also provide takeaway meals, and a Thirsty Camel drive-thru bottle shop, which includes an incredible membership program full of great deals. They cater for private functions from simple get-togethers to weddings. For an all-service bistro, The Fyansford Hotel is one the best in Geelong.

2. Murphys

Murphys Geelong

Murphy’s is another of Geelong’s oldest pubs, founded in 1855, it’s rich heritage includes the beginning of the Geelong Cats Football club that originally played right outside the venue. The current owners have given the historic location a new lease of life and have maintained the old school feel of the pub while modernizing the business and venue. They have four areas over three floors, which includes their stunning stained glass window adorned rooftop, a sky bar as well as pub and restaurant areas. They are another spot that provides for private functions, as well as their regular events such as live music every Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday afternoons as well as weekly trivia and Parmi nights. If you fall in love with Murphys as we have, you can sign up for a membership and receive some awesome exclusive benefits.

3. Edge

Edge Geelong

If you fancy a drink with one of the finest views in Geelong, look no further than Edge bar and restaurant, situated in the heart of Geelong’s stunning waterfront on Corio Bay. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week and are open for drop-ins or reservations and you can find one of the best menus in town. If you are looking for a venue for your next functions, you can get in touch with them to make use of one of their stunning areas including their sizable outdoor decking space and alfresco area and multiple indoor themed rooms, perfect for corporate events, birthdays, and weddings accommodating up to 100 guests. They work with each client personally to make your event just the way you want it. For one of the trendiest and most scenic spots in Geelong, Edge is a top pick.  

4. Phoenix Hotel

Phoenix Hotel Geelong

For a venue that specializes in catering for your priuvat4e function, Phoenix hotel is one of the best pubs around. Situated a few blocks from downtown and the waterfront, it’s a perfect place to start or end a good night. With multiple function rooms suiting a variety of needs and some of the cheapest booking prices in town. You can make use of their 100 person upstairs private function room, or for a classier affair, maybe book out their 60 person, sit-down bistro room.  If you’re looking for something more casual, their bar is open 7 days a week, open late every day until Sundays, or for some fine food, check out their menu and book in a lunch or dinner, lunch bookings are available 7 days a week while dinner is available Thursdays through Saturdays.

5. The Inn Hotel

The Inn Hotel Geelong

Our next entry is a relative newcomer to the Geelong bar scene, but what it lacks in heritage i, it makes up for in effort, care, and vibe. Founded by friends Corey, Dean, Matt & Max, they have created a space that has a local focus, bringing the best in locally sourced food and the top tunes from local musicians. Their renowned kitchen and stunning bar are open until late Thursday through Sunday, as well as lunches at the weekend. Every Friday you can find live acoustic music in the scenic beer garden, or check out some of the local DJ talents inside, and if disco is your thing, you can get your boogie on every Saturday. For more entertainment, keep an eye on their special events calendar, where they make use of their big car park space to make some truly unique Geelong events.

6. The Cremorne Hotel

The Cremorne Hotel Geelong

Our next entry is located in the Newtown suburb in west Geelong, located close to the scenic Barwon river area. Another fully renovated hotel, that has multiple spaces for its patrons, including its classic bar, beer garden, lounge, and function area. They are open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week and have an extensive food and drink menu that includes local and international craft beers, a well-picked wine list, and some of your favorite pub food meals. If you’re a fan of some gambling games, The Cremone is also a registered TAB and Keno operator, so you can enjoy some great food and drink as well as some fun and games.

7. Sawyers Arms Tavern

Sawyers Arms Tavern Geelong

For the Geelong pub that is truly part of our city’s history, The Sawyers Arms has over a century and half of heritage dating back to 1850. Over the decades it has changed hands from original founder James Jackson, who made it a popular place for social and political meetings, then to William Fordham, one of the first colonists and member of the first council of Newtown. From the 1950s to 200;s it was run by the Clatworthy family and is still known as ‘The Clats’ today. They serve a great selection of lunch and dinner from Tuesdays to Saturdays, however, Sundays are their day of rest. You can enjoy their historic bar, or make a private booking in their beautifully renovated upstairs function room. If you want to experience some Geelong heritage in one of the best pubs in town, Sawyers Arms Tavern should not be missed.

8. Elephant & Castle Hotel

Elephant & Castle Hotel Geelong

On the other side of town is another renovated hotel with heaps of history. The Elephant & Castle Hotel was founded back in 1891 and renovated in 2005, it has become one of the top pubs in Geelong. The pub is beautifully decorated and has kept true to its past while modernizing its facilities and services. This friendly and lively venue hosts a number of weekly events, including trivia, steak nights, karaoke, and music events most Saturdays. They offer some top dining options for lunch and dinner from Tuesdays to Sundays, with produce selected by their passionate head chef, Sam Winhcomb. They offer some great options for private functions, from their 70 person capacity upstairs function room, their beautiful beer garden, or for dinner bookings they have a smaller dining area, and the best part, there is no booking fee!

9. Jokers on Ryrie

Jokers on Ryrie Geelong

Another pub that demonstrates the rich history of our city is Jokers on Ryrie, located in the heart of Geelong and on the route of the renowned Geelong historic walking tour. Originally founded as The Prince Of Wales, in 1849, it still operates on its original location and is one of the few historic hotels that still offers accommodation for its patrons. Jokers on Ryrie is one of the top destinations for bistro dining in the city, with a delectable menu selected by their award-winning chefs, as well providing a huge beer and wine selection. They also offer some great deals for sports fans, if you want to watch the next game and keep the festivities going all night, or for moviegoers, they have a great deal including a ticket, drink, and a meal. For a friendly service in a historic location, you should check out Jokers on Ryrie.

10. Geelong Hotel

Geelong Hotel

Another option for top-class drinks and dining in the center of the city is Geelong Hotel. Serve their renowned bistro menu 5 days a week, Tuesdays to Sundays, and have food specials including burger nights, weekly parmi nights, and a monthly vegan night. Geelong hotel is also one of the city’s top music venues, with their purpose-built bandroom playing host to local, national, and international acts. Their venue is home to 3 different bars, providing a wide range of drinks, some of the best cocktails around, and DJs and live music every Friday and Saturday night. Being one of the biggest pubs on our list, you can hold private events for up to 300 people, with a minimum spend of only $2000, you can host your next function essentially for free. For fine dining and entertainment, Geelong Hotel is one of the best pubs in town.

11. The Sir Charles Darling Hotel

The Sir Charles Darling Hotel Geelong

Our next entry is a traditional pub with a family feel right in the heart of Geelong on Bellerine street. The Sir Charles Darling is another great choice for the best bistro pubs in town. Closed on Sundays but serving lunch and dinner Mondays through Saturdays, they have become a favorite for both locals and visitors in the city. Renowned for their famous porterhouse steaks and their huge menu of top-quality dishes. They have weekly food specials such as steak, parmi, seafood, and burger nights, all at a very reasonable price. Although they don’t have a private function room, they still take bookings for events in their segregated bar and scenic beer garden. They also have kino and TAB facilities for the gamers out there, and they are a popular spot for sports fans to catch a game. Another great choice for pubs in central Geelong.

12. Valley Inn Hotel

Valley Inn Hotel Geelong

The Valley Inn Hotel is one of our top picks for the best pubs in South Geelong. They are an establishment that offers a few unique points that make it a great spot for locals and visitors. They have their own stunning copper tank brewery, serving the freshest Carlton draught beer, which is a must for any beer enthusiast in Geelong. They are also home to an extensive sports bar, showing a huge range of matches, and well as TAB. You can also join their poker games held every Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening with $20 & $15 buy-ins respectively. They are open 7 days a week from 10am until late, so there is always a great option for top food and drink, games and sports for anyone who’s in South Geelong.

13. Belmont Hotel

Belmont Hotel Geelong

For a classy operation located in the suburb of Belmont, The Belmont Hotel is a great pick for any fine dining aficionado or drink enthusiast. You can enjoy your food and drink in their stunning art-deco-designed space, which has taken inspiration from the original design of the hotel, built in the 1920s. They pride themselves on being one of Geelong’s top function venues and they have two private spaces available for your next event. One with a 50 person capacity and the other with up to 120 or you can book the whole venue for up to 200 guests, and their events team can help tailor your function to your specific needs. Their regular bar and restaurant are open from mid-day, Wednesdays to Sundays and you can find a perfect space for you, from private dining to rooftop sports matches.

14. The Grovedale Hotel

The Grovedale Hotel Geelong

The Grovedale Hotel is another family-run pub in Geelong. Located in the southern suburb of Grovedale, and run by the Taylor family, who have been operating venues since the 1970s. They have extensively renovated the establishment making it one of the most stylish and modern venues in town. Visitors can expect to meet one of the father & son duo of John and Joel, who make sure to give a personal touch. They have one of the most extensive opening times of any pub in town, from morning till 5am, 7 days a week. They have 3 spaces where you can enjoy their top-quality food and drink, and they also offer takeaways including bottle delivery of your favorite beers and wines. If you are looking for a function venue, they can cater to up to 300 guests, making them one of the biggest in town.

Conclusion

If you made it to the end of this list, without going out for a drink, what are you still doing here? We’re certain that one of our entries must have you planning your next function or get together. From games, sports, music, fine food and of course the best drinks in Victoria, Geelong really is privileged to be home to these amazing establishments that put their passion into their pubs and bring you the best in night life, bistro dining and private bookings. From the traditional to the chic, there really is an option for every occasion on every day of the week. We hope you have enjoyed reading our top picks for the best pubs in Geelong, and maybe we’ll bump into you at the next trivia or steak night, or don’t forget to send us an invite if your making a party of your own. If we missed one of your favorite pubs, let us know for our next list of the best pubs in Geelong city.

Do you or someone that you know own a pub that should be on this list, let us know at: business@bestingeelong.com.au

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