Beer, chicken parma and big-screen sports action are the staple attractions at the Victorian-style boozer, which is also the site of the unsolved Great Bookie Robbery.
Turf Bar has had an exciting, heart-thumping past. It goes down in history for being the site of one of Australia's biggest thefts.
Formerly the Victorian Club, this place was hit by the Great Bookie Robbery back in 1976. The heist saw six armed thieves steal a haul of cash which was estimated to be worth somewhere between $3 million and $12 million. This money was robbed straight from bookmakers who were 'settling up' after a string of horse races. Although some charges were laid, nobody was ever convicted of the crime. The money was never recovered and all the suspects are now no longer with us.
It's quite a tale to tell over a few ales, so it's a good thing that Turf Bar has 20 local and imported beers available on tap. Brands include VB, Carlton Draught, Stella Artois and Hoegaarden. There's also plenty of bottled beer and a wine list of Australian and Kiwi drops. Nosh-wise, the kitchen serves up pasta, steaks, pizza and chicken parma.
Turf Bar is mad on sport. Two big-screen plasmas cover the rugby, soccer, basketball and cricket action. This place is is also the official Melbourne headquarters of the Barmy Army.
Friday nights have a retro feel, pumping out flashback hits from '73 to '93. The vintage music line-up is teamed with $3 cowboy shots and $2.50 glasses of sparkling wine.
Andrea Tomaz
