Pub of the Week: Platform 28, Docklands
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Platform 28
82 Village St, Docklands
Phone: 9670 9933
Born from the old railway sheds of Spencer Street Station some 15 years ago, Platform 28 (P28) is a wonderful pub servicing the ‘two’ sides of the CBD in the shadows (literal) of Southern Cross Station (P16).
From the get go, this pub hasn’t missed a beat. Multi awarded (City of Melbourne/AHA), the reasons for its success are obvious on entering the two storey building/converted warehouse.
Atrium bar at ground level with a walk across the road to Marvel for the footy or concerts. Through to the main bar, dimly lit with low hanging orange coloured globes, there are many options to socialise, (eat/drink), all deftly positioned to allow for a bit of privacy if needed.
Private dining room, outdoor dining, level one balcony/lounge complete an impressive layout.
In the colder months, a fine fireplace belts out the warmth before venturing to see the Saints and the Roos over the road.
All seamlessly functioning with a willing and capable group of young hospitality workers who seem to relish working here, be it Coldplay or the Bombers performing over the road and demand is so much higher, and the needs of patrons somewhat more urgent.
Six days a week, open from midday (Sundays where Marvel is hosting), this is a pub for all occasions. Screens are strategically placed covering all local and overseas sport.
Pokies: No
Tab: No
An absolute feature of P28 is the breadth of menu offered, and utilises a fully functioning kitchen, nearly all made on the premises. As example, entrees/shares number 20 or so, classics/mains/steaks/salads similar and eight desserts to finish that include more than sticky date.
This is also reflected in the wine list in which thankfully, closer to 20 drops are offered by the glass (around 14 per glass). Only a couple of bottles are offered below $60 and while this tends to be the mean price for a bottle of wine in most pubs in the CBD, my preference is to have more choices closer to $50.
The share plates are the winners here. For example, mushroom spring rolls (3 for $18) comprising enoki, shimeji, shitake, oyster mushrooms and water chestnuts with hoisin, pork Cumberland chipolata sausages (19) with mustard dipping sauce (and has real kick) and the ever popular, prawn and ginger dumplings (6 for $19) with sweet thick soy.
Mains are generous and fully plated, average pricing in the low-mid $30s. Chicken, roast pumpkin and leek risotto ($33) with baby spinach, lemon, herb crème fraiche, parmesan, chicken parmigiana ($32) topped with leg ham, Napoli sauce and mozzarella served with chips and house salad. Massive in size and popularity, were just a couple of mains from this extensive menu.
Highlights: Most enjoyed was crumbed veal schnitzel ($39) with chips, slaw and a rich mushroom and tarragon jus, and a real point of difference, spring seafood chowder ($39) with market fish, prawns, local mussels and smoked trout with cream and micro herbs with crusty bread. Both of these mains were fine examples of the best of Melbourne pub cookery.
Here’s a free tip, especially for the concert goers, where premium packages pre-show are a pipedream given the prices! (Oasis, Pearl Jam and plenty more to come in 2025).
Book a table at P28 sit down, enjoy a couple of pots of tank fresh Carlton Draught, have a share plate with friends, walk over the road in the best mood and you’re ready to hear Liam and Noel belt out Columbia or Rock ‘N’ Roll Star, and save a few hundred in the process.
Platform 28 sits at the top of its game at the moment.
SCORE: 15.3