Grace Darling

LOCATION
At Smith and Peel Streets, along the 86 tram route.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
This cosy and comfortable pub is one of Collingwood’s true darlings. Constructed in 1854 by prominent architect, George Wharton, the bluestone building is one of the inner-city’s last standing examples of a gold rush era hotel, and it has a history as colourful as its stain glass windows, which throw wonderful contrasting shades across the front bar walls on those bright, but rare, Melbourne days.

The Grace Darling’s true gift to Smith Street however, is its wonderful versatility. The restaurant has a relaxed yet vibrant ambience and modern Australian dishes with a contemporary twist. Vegetarians will be delighted with the cous cous and wild mushrooms, while the hungry meat-eater can tuck into the tender chicken parma or traditional steak and veg. The two function rooms upstairs cater for medium to large groups and offer a charming and private hideaway, back from the noise and bustle of Smith Street. Meanwhile, the glorious open fireplace roars through the historic front bar – a perfect place to enjoy a glass of red, a neat scotch or a cold amber ale. The big-screen television makes it a destination pub for watching the footy, but as this is allegedly the place the Collingwood Football Club was first formed, I suppose that depends on which team you support!

Frank Trimboli