It's rare to find a sophisticated bar outside of the CBD these days, and it's even rarer to find…read moreone that won't break your weekly drinking budget in one night. Hawker Beer and Wine Bar is located in the suburb of Highett just 30mins from Melbourne CBD. The bar is named after Harry Hawker, a local of the area. Harry George Hawker, was an Australian aviation pioneer. He was the chief test pilot for Sopwith and was also involved in the design of many of their aircraft. After World War One he co-founded Hawker Aircraft, the firm that would later be responsible for a long series of successful military aircraft. The bar itself is small and is directly across the road from the Highett train station, which seems to have some type of train passing through every 15mins. The fit-out is minimalistic, with large windows that give you a great view of the comings and goings in the area. What is great about this bar is the large cocktail list. With mostly original cocktails with a few traditional with a modern twist. The service is friendly and attentive, and I get the feeling if I lived in the area this would be my local. Apart from the great cocktails it has a good selection of beers and wines. It also had a pretty awesome snack menu, being provided by Typhoon, the Vietnamese restaurant next door. If you live in the area chances are you have either visited Hawker or know of it. If you haven't been do yourself a favour and pay them a visit, it won't disappoint.

The Gallery at Craig's Royal Hotel at 10 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat was indeed worth the drive…read morefrom Melbourne for lunch. Chef Shannon Easton and Executive Consultant Chef Ian Curley have developed an imaginative menu and decisions and choices are hard. I chose the award-winning duck and mushroom pie with orange, prune and watercress sauce - a signature dish! My wife chose the Cypriot Haloumi with fresh figs - outstanding. Service was exemplary and Suzanne welcomed us warmly to this delightful venue, redolent of the colourful history of the hotel and Ballarat itself. A comprehensive wine list featuring a good representation of local wines is excellent. We'll be back, next time with friends, to enjoy The Gallery and the plethora of interesting activities and sights that Ballarat and environs boast of.

This lovely, petite wine bar is something you'd expect to find hidden down a Melbourne laneway. A…read morereal find for Geelong. An excellent place to spend part (or all) of a winter's Saturday afternoon while enjoying a friendly Shiraz. The bar snacks are also super. Jamon freshly shaved to order, a French cheese selection and beautiful house breads make this venue as much about the food as the wine. Check out the bottle shop next store too. It forms part of the business. Ask about selecting a bottle and enjoying it in the wine bar. Definitely will keep that in mind for next time.

My favorite spot in Australia so far! Wonderful knowledgeable staff. My friend and I had a great…read moreexperience. We told the server what we were looking for in a wine and he did not disappoint with a delicious Vino Rosso Lamoresca. We also split the assorted charcuterie and we're in heaven

By far my favorite place that I've found in Melbourne, possibly in Aus! I can't speak highly enough…read moreof every aspect of this bar. Intimate setting, yet quite comfortable. Always an excellent music selection, with footy on the tv if that's what you're lookin for. The staff is WONDERFUL. so personable, quite willing to give their recommendations if you ask (and you should- they haven't steered me wrong yet!). The nachos, add beef, are easily the best nachos I've ever had- loaded with toppings, seasoned chips, absolutely delicious. Quite a diverse menu, with plenty of options depending on your hunger level. Great wine and beer selection, and a solid cocktail list too!

Food is awesome - Baked mushrooms - I could just have a plate of them on their own…read more The staff are easy to chat with and service was well timed.

The creep of cool continues further north, with Cult of the Vine serving up a delicious and…read moreinteresting array of wines and a smattering of craft beer. Hidden at the end of Florence Street near the train station exit (genius maneuver to capture all those suited souls on their way home) you can pop in and take a bottle home, or crack it open right there and then to enjoy with proper glassware, ambient tunes and a plate of something to nibble on. The food options are limited, but they're really all I need when I want something simple and tasty to match with a good bottle. Charcuterie, cured fish, cheese and oddly enough whole boiled eggs which you can crack and peel while sipping on some vino. Apparently a boiled egg goes with any kind of wine but they'd run out when I visited so I couldn't put this to the test. Instead we ate truffled infused Spanish sausage, smoked almonds and loads of cheese along with some very good crackers. Service was relaxed and generous from owner Brad Lucas, who was happy to nerd out a little with us and offered samples of new and different drops. We left warm, full and contented... with two bottles of vino tucked under my arm.

Go here... Spectacularly curated 'natural' wine list…read more Some craft beers Ask the host for an egg. Take the train to Anstey station. Take the train home.

A wonderful range of interesting wines by the glass and bottle, perfectly serviced by two very…read moreknowledgeable and friendly women and their helpers who really know their stuff. What more could you ask for? Well, how about we throw in a good range of craft beers, some excellent cheese, smallgoods, and other snacky type things for sale, and very tasty shareplates that match the gorgeous wines perfectly. This place is a real survivor in an area where businesses turn over on a regular basis; all you need to do is go in, grab a glass and a shareplate and you'll know why. To make an evening of it, enjoy a pre-dinner drink and snack here, then grab a bottle or two and head next door to Sisco's for some excellent pizza and pasta. This is as good a wine bar as you'll find anywhere.

From the owner: Focusing on small producers doing interesting things, booth locally and internationally. Take home…read morea bottle with our cheese and charcuterie selection, or enjoy instore with one of our platters.

I've only been here once, but it as a great experience. The staff is extremely friendly and full of…read moreknowledge. The wines are absolutely delicious Sam well. This place would be a great place to stop by and have a nice cozy drink on an afternoon just to relax.

Just what Ballarat needed. Awesome selection of local wines with some great international options…read moretoo. This places oozes with ambiance - a must visit if you a wine lover visiting the region!

We were lucky to get a table with an awesome view of the water, and the beers were good. Would…read morerecommend if you're in the area.

Great elevated outdoor deck on a nice day with a cold beer in hand, with expansive coastal views…read moreall the way to Aireys inlet. It is very pretty. Without the deck and view, it would be just another pub. Food is okay but not cheap, with all the usual array of Australian pub cuisine you'd expect.