A haven for sports fans, The Park Hotel's beer garden features a TV that's huge enough to see from space (well okay, from the pool table). Even when there isn't any footy on, this place gets packed.
Three words: grand final day. The Park Hotel is - hands down - where you want to be whenever there's an important screening of footy, cricket, soccer or Oprah (although realistically you may be out-voted on the latter). The beer garden wall has a built-in television big enough to see even if you're metres away playing pool. Multi-tasking at it's best! When there isn't any sport in sight, the sound system's volume gets thumbed right up.
Over in the front bar, it's glorious chaos. Thirsty people flock here and wait for more rounds of frothy ale, so get in line. Carlton Draught, Guinness, Cascade and Coopers all flow on tap.
The Park isn't shy about dishing up real pub grub either; chicken schnitzel and chicken parma are listed proudly on the blackboard. The tiny red dining room provides some protection from the clamour of the bar and beer garden, so you can eat your nosh in peace. When it comes to dessert, the naughtiest rich dark chocolate brownies will have you fighting off your friends' forks.
Erin O'Brien
