The meaning behind the eccentric name isn't clear, but it's a good match for this eclectic venue with its odd nooks and old-English feel.
Yes, there is a dog, but without licking Maggie - the Australian cattle dog who dominates proceedings inside the venue - it's hard to tell if she's all that salty. This is easily one of the most enchanting and atmospheric bars in metro Melbourne. It's the kind of bar-cum-den Harry Potter would hang out in if he were old enough to drink.
From the stained glass front windows that open out onto the main street to the snugly panelled interior, there is something quintessentially old English about the place - though several of the more ornate carved wooden panels were actually shipped over from France. Steep stairs lead up from the main room, with its tiny bar, into a narrow passage that runs past the pool room (think a Victorian English version of the treehouse in
The Simpsons) and into the beer garden.
The whole set-up is delightfully old fashioned, but in a totally cool, modern way - much like the tunes belted out every Sunday evening by Blommy, the resident acoustic maestro who personalises covers by indie bands such as Smashing Pumpkins and Beck. You can eat here too, with a menu dominated by snacks and pizza. On Wednesdays, you can stop in for a pizza and pot for only $7.
Craig Scutt
