In the southwestern quadrant of the city, Gilbert Street itself is a low-key event: shady trees, Victorian terrace houses, guitar shops... The vibe here is decidedly ‘village’ – a neighbourhood mood which pervades this classic bluestone pub. Dining and drinking areas revolve around a central bar, meandering through to a beer garden out the back. Nifty lighting, luminous liquor racks and quirky murals (love the faux bookshelf) give the place a savvy-but-bookish edge. But it’s not interior design that the students and grey-goateed scenesters are here for. Rather, it’s craft-beer and cocktails, live tunes and the specials issuing forth from the kitchen (...don’t miss jazz and cheap pizzas on Tuesdays).
