This pub has an illustrious history, from its 1887 inception to its last life as a grungy band venue and now its latest incarnation as a slickly reno'd watering hole.
The Pat used to be one of Melbourne's best-known band and comedy venues, playing host to a stream of young talents on the road to either fame or obscurity. However after a change in ownership and a major makeover several years ago, the focus has shifted away from rampaging bands and riotous comics and towards a more polished brand of hijinks (although there's a whisper that the live music might be on its way back in).
The pub has retained its ragged 19th-century facade. Its peeling paint pays homage to the hotel's grungy roots, as well as being legitimately stylish in a designer tatty-chic way. Inside, things have been spruced up a little more. The pub has been split into several stylishly reno'd areas.
Beyond the public bar, there's a cosy lounge where drinkers can snuggle into semi-private booths or balance on ottomans in front of the open log fire. Out the back there's a Jamie Durie dream-courtyard, complete with romantic water feature, garden-party furniture and bunches of lush vegetation.
The Pat's eclectic mix of customers includes eccentric locals and suit-clad corporate types. They drift between various areas, sipping on one of the eight tap beers (including Guinness, Stella Artois and Bohemian Pilzner) and nibbling on traditional pub staples from the bistro kitchen.
Lily Worthington
