Pub Grub: Father's Office

249 Little Lonsdale St,            Melbourne, VIC   (03) 9662 3798  fathersoffice.com.au

BAR SIDE

With a spectacular wrap around balcony that overlooks the bustling swanston Street and the tranquil gardens of the State Library, there is plenty of room for sampling the vast array of drink and food on offer at Father’s Office this summer.

With plenty of vintage décor, Father’s Office is styled after a 1920s alcohol US prohibition-era speakeasy bar, offering a tranquil and nostalgic respite from the modern, restless city that is Melbourne. The lush dining room with tin ceiling, custom-made copper beer tap over the industrial-style bar, period mosaics, gangster wall, decanter lighting and aptly dressed employees encapsulate the era of underground speakeasy bars, transporting you to a bygone era which almost challenges its location in the middle of the city (in the 21st century, no less). 

The food on offer is themed similarly to match its surroundings: old, classic and American. The kitchen offers patrons Americana a la carte made with high quality local produce and premium meat and seafood cuts. Their wide selection of burgers, stacked high to their chandelier-occupied roof with first class, organic ingredients are particularly popular with regulars, with favourites including the fried chicken burger and the “Man burger” – featuring a stomach churning four slices of Swiss cheese! 

The drinks also have an antiquated feel and aura about them, including a large range of whiskey and rum to mirror the underground 1920s, complemented with tap craft beers from local micro-brewers. A brand new range of cocktails have also arrived just in time for summer, and while they’re all as equally refreshing as one another, the Cupcake is the Fathers Office’s standout drink. 

Being in the CBD Father’s Office attracts and welcome a varied crowd with open arms, and won the Best Themed Bar prize at the 2013 Australian Hotels Association awards.

FUN FACT

You’re also encouraged to dress the part as patrons, with 1920s headwear and jewellery, dress shorts and bowler and trilby hats all cherished by staff and patrons alike. While doing this is not compulsory or necessary, you should still avoid wearing ugg boots and thongs. After all, where’s the fun in that?

our deal

The corporate lunch menu features a wide selection of meals for $15 every day from 11am-3pm; as does the "Bonnie and Clyde" pub grub after 5pm on Mondays and Tuesdays.