THIRD QUARTER REVIEW

DeBortoli Best Pubs for period of 20 July until 29 September 2023

Before going into the pub highlights for this period, I offer the following thoughts;

Trade: Make no mistake, by and large most pubs are flying and back to pre-COVID activities. While there are some shortages in staff, delivery of hospitality is largely unaffected so well done to the publicans throughout Victoria for covering the cracks up.

Socials: Cannot stress this enough, but the gap between Good and Bad socials in pubs is stark. Those pubs that are presenting fresh, exciting, and importantly up to date images and info are winning the battle. Out of date and uninteresting Social media reflects on your business. Surely in a slower time during service, the opportunity to refresh and update is fundamental to your business. From a personal point of view, if nothing’s happening on your socials then I take the view that nothing’s happening in your business.

And please, get prices right. For sure menus change, but some of the websites have numerous price lists, none of which are currently relevant. always like to pub in these summaries.

Cost of Living: Pubs are not immune. While the good old days are long gone, pubs are doing their best to get your business. Look to websites for genuine mid-week specials.

Random Highlights:

Feel Good (Pub) Story of the Year: Lockington Hotel. (4/8/23). Indeed of any year really. Crowd funded, community owned, the Lockington is a vital piece in the community patchwork in this central north town in Victoria. The job is remarkable here, the steak sanga is a ripper, and Lockington has a significant meeting place for all.

Best Looking: Twenty years had passed since a visit to the Micawber Tavern, Belgrave. (27/7/23). What a fine establishment that utilises the natural beauty of the Dandenongs to the fullest extent. This is the time to visit!. Take the tip and order the Sunday Roast.

Best Use of Locals: Railway, Castlemaine. (18 August 2023). Not only a great looking pub, but the railway genuinely uses the region for food and wine to support its locals and present differences in its menus. Places like Harcourt, Toolleen, Kyneton have banging produce, and the Railway has them in spades.

Best resurrection: Central Club, North Melbourne. (22/9/23). In the shadows of the Queen Vic market, the Central Club is reborn to much acclaim. Genuine good looking pub inside, wonderful downstairs (small) function, value food and drink offering, all with the gentle charm of Vincent, a Dubliner who knows how to run a pub. Really Good.

Best Beer: All Nations, Richmond. (29/9/23). Best beer for the year, 7oz glass, chilled and perfectly served. No surprise really as longtime publican Bob O’Kane runs it. Courtesy bus to and from the ‘G’ on match days, the All Nations deserves its legendary status.

Summary:

The DeBortoli pub of the year for 2023, will be announced on 1 December 2023. This will coincide with Neil’s last day on air at 3AW. More on this as the day approaches but a magnificent broadcasting career will be celebrated as it comes to an end with us.