It’s amazing how it brings people together and there’s a definite and undying fondness among people of all ages, Melburnians and tourists alike. This bluestone beauty is a pub as charming and sweet as its name would suggest, but with just a tinsy splash of that typical Collingwood grit. She takes her name from an English lighthouse keeper’s daughter, whose brave rescue of survivors from a shipwreck in 1838 made her famous. As Melbourne’s second oldest pub, it experienced a refurb in 2009 (can you believe it’s only been that long?), but the location has always been an obvious night spot along Smith Street – a place to curl up in front of the fire during winter, a place to enjoy a pint outside on a warm summer’s night and, undeniably, a place for some of the best pub food in Melbourne. The kitchen is well known for delivering down-to-earth, contemporary interpretations of classic pub fare, with a focus on sustainable and local produce. For example, their take away fish and chips, battered or grilled, is made up of locally sourced fish with house made, hand cut chips. For a dirt cheap $10 on Mondays, it’s available any day of the week. All of their meat is free-range from Victoria and aged for a minimum of a month before it’s served. It’s a supremely friendly dining experience in all sections of the pub: the front bar is great for the footy and a casual chat; the sunken, plant-filled atrium is a beautifully lush, candlelit sanctuary and the upper deck, which oversees the open kitchen, is casual and dynamic. There’s live music almost every night of the week, plus daily menu specials and happy hours. Even when it’s busy, service is cheerful and prompt. Overall, The Grace is sophisticated without an ounce of wank. It’s pure, understated pub perfection.
EDITOR’S PICK
Recently devoured the slow-cooked lamb shoulder shepherd’s pie. I don’t know how long it’s going to be on offer, but man, this should be a permanent fixture for sure.
