Jacqui Felgate reviews a pub that’s stood the test of time

Press PLAY below to hear Jacqui’s review (+ Food Court)

Melbourne is full of great pubs, but few have stood the test of time as long as Bobbie Peels.

Located in the old Robert Peel building in North Melbourne, it’s been known as the Crimean, the Keeper’s Arms and the Robert Peel. Nowadays Bobbie Peels is cool, dark and delicious. A new fit out has brought it up to the modern era but the grungy charm remains. The gorgeous old bar runs along the back of the room, wooden high stools and mood lighting make Bobbie Peels feel very inviting indeed.

We sat in a cosy leather booth and watched the hustle and bustle of the Queen Vic market across the road while enjoying a pint and a glass of rose.

We started with Mason’s farms lamb ribs, chilli and brown sugar. They were chewy, sweet and spicy all at once.

A lighter entree was cured port phillip kingfish served with a creamy mayonnaise au crevette – segments of citrus providing a lovely tangy foil.

The zucchini fritters with fried blossom and lemon aoili were moorish – I could eat a whole basket of these easily.

But the hero of the day was the chardonnay coq au vin, with baby onions and pancetta, served on a creamy mash it’s the perfect autumn dish. If a meal was a hug, then this is it. It takes you back to your childhood. The fall off the bone meat, swimming in jus, the peas and pancetta floating in this little plate of heaven.

The menu at Bobbie Peels also includes dry aged steak with a half lobster and bisque, mussels with white wine and tarragon and pork ravioli and aubergine. Bobbie Peels in the perfect way to while away an autumn afternoon.

Pro tip: The express weekday lunch is great value at $38 for two courses

Bobbie Peels
351 Queensberry St, North Melbourne
bobbiepeels.com.au
Ph: 9329 3353

See Jacqui’s past reviews HERE.