This sleek and renovated pub offers a please-all combination of live bands, fine dining, cold beers and a little light gambling.
Several years ago, The Carine morphed from a slightly daggy suburban tavern into a slick, modern complex, leaving the red-brick ghosts of its '70s past behind. Since then it has collected a bulging swag of awards for its architectural design as well as AHA accolades.
The Carine is a catch-all community pub, serving the whole area's masses, from genial old codgers to dining families and Duncraig's young social butterflies. With an upmarket restaurant, a laidback main bar, lounge bar and pretty courtyard, there's plenty of space for a wide range of activities, from taking a punt on the ponies to listening to a local band.
The lounge bar is where all the action takes place on the weekends, with a regular rotation of local (mostly acoustic) bands and DJs, as well as major sporting events on the big screen. There's a big event every month, featuring a well-known band, a comedy night or something similarly unusual to stimulate any jaded regulars.
On summer nights, the courtyard draws crowds with its fresh air, water feature and views across to the park. Hot and bothered drinkers can suck on a cold beer and fan themselves under the courtyard's tree. The taps include a selection of Aussie and international beers, as well as tasting taps featuring a rotating selection of boutique brews.
Shelley Tustin
