Inkerman Hotel

Inkerman Hotel is a long-running pub on Inkerman Street in St Kilda East, Melbourne, with a history reaching back to 1859. Its offer is broad but firmly pub-focused: a public bar, beer garden, TAB facilities, bottle shop, live music, live sport and substantial meals. The venue describes itself as relaxed and local-minded, making it a practical option when the group cannot agree on much beyond meeting for a drink, a feed or the game.

The public bar is built around a horseshoe-shaped bar, pool tables and a 2.8-metre screen for live sport, with dining space towards the rear. Live bands play in the bar, while the beer garden adds outdoor seating, a dart board, another screen and heaters for cooler Melbourne weather. Dogs are welcome in the garden provided they remain leashed, and the area is also designated as smoker-friendly. These details make the venue particularly suited to casual catch-ups, sport-watching and groups wanting a little room to spread out.

Food is centred on generous contemporary and classic pub meals. The site gives particular attention to its chicken parmas, including a Mexican version, alongside burgers, a Steak Sanga and Scotch Fillet Steak. There are also weekday specials, including a discounted lunch parma, while rotating offers cover burgers, parmas and other pub favourites. For a more informal visit, the venue runs themed food and drink deals on selected days, and complimentary bar snacks are offered on Friday afternoons. The kitchen serves lunch and dinner, with all-day food service on weekends, according to the website.

There is plenty happening beyond the bar and kitchen. Regular activities listed by the venue include trivia, pool competitions, punting and live sport, with the beer garden and public bar used for major televised events. A private lounge function room sits between those spaces and can be used for birthdays, engagements, bucks and hens events, or other group celebrations; the venue also accepts bookings for groups of six or more. With its mix of pub food, entertainment, outdoor space and wagering facilities, Inkerman Hotel is best suited to relaxed group outings and locals wanting an easy-going neighbourhood pub rather than a quiet dining room.