Named after Brunswick's "spiritual father", Thomas Wilkinson, this cosy bar features regularly rotated exhibitions of works by local artists.
In 1840, the same year that Queen Victoria wed Prince Albert, a spritely Australian entrepreneur by the name of Thomas Wilkinson purchased a block of land, naming it Brunswick. Wilkinson hosted local church services in his own house until a church was built, as well as setting up a fully functioning post office. Not surprisingly, he soon became known as the Father of Brunswick.
Almost two centuries later, a handful of loyal "Brunswickians" have returned the favour, honouring Mr Wilkinson by borrowing his moniker for a classy yet unpretentious watering hole. And if Mr Wilkinson was still a living, breathing Victorian, he would surely don a stylish scarf and settle into a booth at his namesake with an icy cold Coopers, just as the rest of his favourite suburb are beginning to do.
Decorated as a modern-day version of the farmhouse that started it all, the interior combines a recycled-timber feature wall with industrial black-framed windows. Above dark booth seating, the works of local artists are exhibited regularly, furthering the sense of community first instilled by the original Mr Wilkinson. Naked light fittings suspended from the ceiling frame the bar, which is kept well-stocked with an array of beer, wine and spirits.
Liz Niland
