Donny’s Is The New Northcote Bar Serving Elevated Pub Grub In A Prime Pocket Of High Street
Northcote’s landed a fresh bar and eatery that feels like home turf already. Donny’s is now open at 61 High Street in the beloved Westgarth pocket, brought to you by hospo pros Xavier Byrne and Kris Miles, whose resumes span Australian cities and beyond.
The duo first linked up in Hobart in 2011, during MONA's early hospitality boom—Byrne pouring at Moorilla Winery's cellar door, Miles firing up Void Bar. Since then, Miles built The Winston empire (pubs and brewing), while Byrne repped heavy-hitters like Hop Nation and KAIJU!.
Now they've transformed the former Camus site into a neighbourhood gem, serving seasonal pub dishes with a modern edge. From the moment doors opened, the place filled up fast, drawing crowds keen to explore its inviting vibe. Donny's sits next to local favourite, Low Key, with exposed brick, mid-century art, and a super welcoming staff to guide you through their selections.
“Westgarth is its own identity,” Xavier tells Urban List. “It's a shame it doesn't have its own postcode. "Westgarth has a really nice village character to it that I've always found appealing. The cinema, small businesses, bars and restaurants. It has a bit of everything tucked at the bottom of Ruckers Hill."
Inside, leather booths and Aussie landscape paintings set the tone for a relaxed, rustic pub. Four taps pour local craft like The Mill, BentSpoke, Philter and Hop Nation, alongside solid wines including Fin Wines Prosecco and Montepulciano/Sangiovese on tap, Jauma's "Like Rain Drops" Grenache and Ochota Barrels Rosé—all shaped by what punters love.
"61 High Street has had a long run of hospitality businesses over the years, with each adding their own take on the venue," says Xavier. "We focused on removing as much of the clutter as possible and letting the building shine. Exposed brick, wood panelling, and low lighting make it a really aesthetic space to spend some time. Hopefully, the locals agree."
"The next step is to get the upstairs bar up and running; when it's not being used for functions, it'll be Donny's lounge room."
As for the menu at Donny's, stars include natural oysters, wild boar bangers and mash, cauliflower steak with macadamia butter and butter-poached half spatchcock, with gluten-free and vegan-friendly options.
"Kris and I are pretty obsessive with food, so quality was always going to be important to us," Xavier tells us. "Donny's isn't designed to be a once-a-year kind of venue; it's a locals bar where people can drop in week to week for a drink and a meal. Chachi and Jem are putting out modern Australian food that celebrates pub classics."
Named after Xavier's rescue greyhound Donny, the bar's your inclusive Westgarth local—beer, wine, food, non-boozy drink, and a heated undercover courtyard welcomes dogs and all.
Visit Donny’s at 61 High St, Northcote, from Wednesdays to Sundays, 4pm 'til late.
Main Image Credit: Donny's | Supplied