Prince Patrick Hotel

The Verdict

Don’t let the crumbling exterior fool you—Prince Patrick Hotel is a step above your average corner pub.

In fact, it’s recently come under new management (Darren Rose & Del Smart), and they're determined to take it back to the glory days, when neighbourhood pubs were more like beer-powered community centres.

First mission: décor. The guys have updated the furniture at The Prince Patrick, getting in some new upcycled tables, polished floorboards, local artists on the wall, chandeliers on the ceiling and comfy red-leather booths. The overall effect is ‘Collingwood gentry’—a little brooding, a little scruffly ‘round the edges, but still somewhere you could drop in for a cheeseboard and a good pinot.

Which brings us to the second mission: food. The menu has had a tzuj, and there’s a new chef in the kitchen. Locals can still park at the front bar and tuck into an excellent cheeseburger (double patties, Jack cheese and caramelised onions give this one some oomph), but there’s also a crackling open fire in the courtyard, where you can nibble grilled chorizo, olives, cured meats and aged cheeses.

Thirsty? Prince Patrick is an indie pub, which means nine taps pouring a variety of crafty-type beers. You’ve got the obligatory Furphy from Little Creatures, but there’s also an Old Mate pale from Moon Dog down the road. Nice to see the guys at Hack Brewing getting a show too—their Easy Ale is one of our favourite session beers. The idea is to have a ‘Guest Tap’ that’ll feature a new local brew every month.

Sports fans, they haven’t forgotten you either. Set yourself up in the beer garden out back. The plan is to run $5 tinnies and Fox Footy on the big screen out here soon (watch this space). 

Ultimately, Prince Patrick is playing the same game as most new gastro-pubs. The game is: step things up. Improve the food, improve the ambience, offer a little something for everybody. On that score this place is a slam dunk.

Image credit: Annika Kafcaloudis