Harlow

Harlow is a Richmond pub and bar spread across several distinct spaces, including a ground-floor dining area, a split-level beer garden, a rooftop bar and a neon-lit basement bar. The rooftop has city views and seating for drinks and snacks, while the beer garden’s terraced, bleacher-style layout gives groups plenty of room to settle in. Downstairs, the basement is described as a quieter, compact spot for late-night cocktails, offering a change of pace from the busier areas of the venue.

The food takes a familiar pub direction with some contemporary changes. Harlow’s menu includes pub classics, burgers, counter meals and shareable light bites, with named options such as chicken and heirloom schnitty, chicken and crumbed eggplant parma, Mexican nachos, cheeseburgers, beer-battered fish and chips and tuna poke bowls. A weekday lunch offer pairs a selected dish with a pot of beer or house wine for $25 from Monday to Friday, with bookings and walk-ins available. The venue also promotes a Thursday burger night and a Saturday rooftop bottomless brunch, alongside a drinks list covering Victorian selections, cocktails, beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic options.

There is a strong events focus here, with recurring specials and activities including happy hour, Spin the Wheel, Drag Queen Trivia, run club sessions, plant bingo and sports screenings or events for AFL, UFC and NRL. Harlow also offers free room hire for bookings made before the end of July 2026, with no minimum spend stated on the website, subject to terms and conditions. That combination of dining, drinks, organised events and varied rooms makes it suited to after-work gatherings, casual group meals, pre- or post-match drinks and weekends that continue into the evening. The different spaces also give solo visitors or smaller groups options beyond the main beer garden.

The venue occupies the former Great Britain Hotel site on the corner of Church and Lesney Streets. The hotel dates back to 1851 and was a long-running Richmond meeting place, later becoming known for supporting live Melbourne music, craft beer and experimental events. It was renamed and refurbished as Harlow Bar in 2018, retaining the site’s role as a local gathering spot while introducing its current multi-level bar and dining format. Its proximity to the MCG is another practical draw for footy crowds looking for a place before or after a game.