Sometimes it pays to venture a little way out of the city. Brunswick may be slowly becoming more and more modernised, but take a walk up Sydney Rd and pop into The Retreat, and you wouldn’t think so at all. It’s been the way it is for a long, long time, but it’s no dive. The Retreat is a constant, classic Melbourne pub that’s still very much in its prime.

Home to free live music every day of the week, and to what is perhaps Melbourne’s grandest beer garden, The Retreat is as great for twenty-and-thirtysomethings as it is for families.

While it’s a key part of the local music scene, the Retreat sets itself apart from other similar places with its top-notch menu, recently featured in The Age’s Good Food Guide. It’s not just your typical pub fare either. Sure, you can grab a steak or a chicken parmigiana, but you could also have the lentil & vegetable curry, the smoked tofu or the all-important pulled pork sliders, which are up there with the best you’ll find in town. There are plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, and there’s also a kids’ menu featuring a few classic kids’ meal staples. Bookings aren’t essential but are highly recommended when the weather is sunny or you have a group, especially if you wan to make use of the inviting outdoor space.

The Retreat is great for a laid-back drink any time of the week, whether it’s a sunny Sunday afternoon, a weeknight after work, or even date night. In addition to the usual suspects behind the bar there are some great local craft beverages on tap. If you’re not a Carlton Draught fan, try a Brunswick Bitter or a Coburg Lager (yes, competing breweries in competing suburbs with competing beers), or if beer isn’t your cup of tea, be sure to try a Napoleone & Co. Pear Cider.