I probably shouldn't judge this place by the views, even though I did actually quite like them…read more Well, this place is a cocktail bar, but the thing is that they do more than just cocktails, particularly where I am concerned since I do prefer beers, and they certainly were able to help me out in that regards, since they did have a rather nice selection as well. I actually found this place to be rather laid back and relaxing, especially the back area, and the service was quite nice as well. As for the views, well, it was on the railway line, but then again, that is something that I actually do rather like.

I organised a cocktail class for my girlfriends hens party at Maeve Fox and was really blown away…read moreby the quality of the event. Our group had such an amazing time. We got to jump in the bar and learn to make yummy cocktails. The gentleman that ran the course was very passionate about bartending and incredibly knowledgable - but didn't take himself too serious and still able to have a laugh with the group! The food included in the course was yummy but I would recommend you order a few additional platters if your friends like to drink as much as mine! If you are looking for something different for a hens party or even a work function. Maeve Fox is well worth looking in to.

Hmm... This is a place I really just don't get. This is a fabulous old pub on a highly visible…read morecorner in Fitzroy, yet the focus of the joint has always been kind of skewed towards the sleazy. Used to be that they'd encourage a rugby crowd (they actually still do in a weird way) and that in turn changes the vibe of the place completely. The difference between the Derby and, say, the East however, is that they don't really seem to embrace anything much else. Every time I walk past the Derby I glance inside to see what seem to be the same two old blokes occupying the bar space. The main room is filled with really shitty decor and a half-baked recent renovation did little to raise the aesthetic of the place. Truth be told, this place is a shit hole, has always been a bit of a shit hole and probably will be a bit of a shit hole. If that's your bag, then great, it'll keep you and your friends from all the decent places in the neighbourhood.

I actually love the Royal Derby Hotel. Living about 100 meters away, this place is kind-of my…read morelocal. I had dinner here tonight and it was great. They have $5 Pizza's and $2.50 Pots on a Thursday. The venue is really spacious, has a good sized dance floor, and decent outdoor area. They also run a gay and lesbian event here called 'Danceteria' and it's a lot of fun. It's a $10 cover fee, they play funky electro-indie-pop and have amazing drinks specials ($2.50 Shots). I can usually leave here pretty tipsy and not spend more than $40!

As a regular race lady of leisure I'm always surprised with how well this racecourse performs…read more Good toilets, good space and good security. Keeling racehorses and racegoers separate is a good thing. The staff are generally smiling and chatty. Which is nice to see. The lawns are always well cared for and immaculately groomed. If only the patrons would take a note from the caretakers book! As someone who has done back to back race days I'm always surprised at how fast things get tidied up. Worth a visit to watch the ponies play.

We all know spring racing in flemington is a great time of the year…read more However, I'd strongly recommend giving it a try at a less busy time. Even if you can't score members tickets (but do if you can) the venue accommodates all. I recommend taking you own picnic basket (can get food there but mostly deep fried) and making a day of it. Most race days are family friendly.

- lots of stairs - good music…read more- drinks were no that expensive compared to most places - kinda empty on the Friday night that we went

Two words describe this place - awesome bar. In fact it is owned by the same people who own the…read moreSection 8 bar next door, but it does seem to be a separate entity (sort of). Where as Section 8 is outside, this is inside over two levels. I've been here a couple of times, but wanted to come back here specifically for some food, though I have noted that they generally offer easy to make finger food, with the biggest being the hotdog. Still that hot dog was pretty awesome, as was the atmosphere. I would call it a craft beer bar, but technically it isn't. particularly since they only have a small selection of beers. What it does have is lots of rooms hidden about the place, which I have to admit is also pretty cool.

On a rainy afternoon in Melbourne we somehow ended up in the direction of Crown Casino and had an…read moreinsatiable urge to go bowling. With the weather moody and a desire to roll in the next 20 minutes, we found ourselves at the Kingpin Bowling Lounge for a rather expensive yet enjoyable three games of bowling. Kingpin aims at doing a lot of the things that Strike bowling does (serve drinks, have music, and lights on the lanes) but at the same time it is probably more tailored towards families than Strike. The bowling was fun as I hit a rare 150 (I'm a pretty shitty bowler admittedly). Enjoyable times but the lack of specials they offer means it would be an expensive pastime. I guess it is yet another string in Crown's entertainment bow. If in Crown and you feel like bowling, head to Kingpin. Otherwise, I prefer the Strike experience.

We were wondering where to eat with our 3 kids in tow as we strolled around the crown casino. It…read moreseemed as though all entries to the popular sit down restaurants within, required you to walk through the gaming areas! Sorry NO Kids allowed... To buy us some time to decide we headed around to the arcade area to let the kids have some fun! right next door was Kingpin! I noticed a sign out the front advertising $15 steaks! I thought why not lets give this place a try. Jake at Kingpin gave us a true VIP experience, the meals were a nice size and the bargain steak meal melted in your mouth! we played bowls, and received some game cards on the house and we all had a great time! Highly recommended for families or romantic couples looking for a fun filled night with a nice meal and quiet beverage to wash it down.

Walking past Katuk, you would easily miss this little hidden away bar. Heck, it wasn't until we…read morewere passing by on the other side of Chapel street, when we noticed people in the upstairs area. Then we spotted the doorway and stairs leading straight up. Who doesn't like places off the beaten path? So we crossed and checked it out. The front room is decked out like a library with a high wall bookcase. There is a very tiny balcony, it can fit maybe six people comfortably without bumping too many elbows. A stretched out bar is in the middle and the perfect size for here, and the back has more seating and a small smoking area (Don't quote me on that part). Looking through their menu, there are plenty of drink choices to pick from. I am one of those people who like watching people make drinks, it can keep me easily entertained for a good while, and the cocktails here are well made and created with time. I had the Spiced Pear Collins, it was served in a high glass coated with cinnamon. It was good, gin and pear is always good for me. The Naked & Famous is a really smokey drink and tastes like a pit barbecue of smoked meats went straight to liquefied version and into a martini glass. The normal prices for cocktails go for about $20, but if you come on Wednesdays, they have selected drinks for half price.

Will always be my fav Melbourne bar. Decor is inviting and the staff knowledge on all the cocktails…read moreand spirits always has me drinking things I would never normally try. Great to sit at the bar on a quiet night and chat to the friendly staff otherwise a spot in the back courtyard is best on a busy night! I can often be found enjoying the front smoking area - as my husband smokes and so I can people watch over Chapel St! Can not go past the Katuk's Passion Cocktail!!

For those who love clean equipment for bubs, decent caffeine for adults, fairly quiet space (for…read morenow). This place is a must visit. The staff are welcoming and friendly, loves a chat with you and the little ones. There are different play zones for big and small kids, and story books in the cafés for your LO whist u take a well deserved break. They ask you to take off your shoes in the play area which is fantastic, but sadly don't reinforce it/ no signage (my only grip)

I was so excited to see a great play centre open up on this area... We have needed one!…read more It is open, clean and lots of space. Big issues The "toddler area" is not closed off from children of all other ages. The result is much older children causing havoc in the area, and parents of tiny babies and young toddlers becoming very nervous, then frustrated and I saw an altercation between the mum of a young girl maybe 7-12 months and the mother of a 7 year old boy who was chasing 2 other kids through the area, climbing onto the roof of the toddler play area and jumping down and using the toddler tunnel as a hurdle. Understandably as Mums of small children, my son is one, we were distressed that not one staff member addressed this issue at all. I would recommend this play centre for older kids where mums can use the opportunity to sit down and have a coffee while their kids play. It's not ideal for little ones That being said there is a "supermarket" and "animal hospital" play area on the right as you walk in, we didn't go to this area as our son is more interested in climbing, slides and bouncing balls than dolls or mock supermarkets. So I can't really comment on that area. $10 for my son and $2.50 per adult it's not a cheap afternoon by any means

A brilliant wine festival at Atrium, Federation Square! I'm often at a loss as to which bottle to…read morebring to events. A Summer Chardonnay, for example, could either instantly delight or cause repugnant disgust. This is why VIC100 is a standout event. You get to sample the top 100 approachable and accessible wines from Victoria's burgeoning wine regions. This selection makes picking some real winners a breeze. A handy brochure showcasing the cream of the crop was a definitive keepsake. I'll be sure to keep it handy when next prepping for a soirée. The master classes were a lot of fun too. Prosecco and Aperol Spritz cocktail making was a particularly fun standout. The Riedel glass for your wine tasting pleasure was a classy touch too. A fun crowd and entertaining winemakers topped the afternoon. I'm looking forward to next year. Thanks for putting this one on the radar Yelp, and for the standout hospitality.

Different (in a good way) from other wine festivals. Victoria's finest in a small /medium…read moreproximity meaning you will get to taste a number of quality wines and some in your time there. Ticket price is money well spent , includes a high quality Riedel wine glass + generous pours. I tasted some fantastic Pinoir Noirs , Shiraz Blends and Prosecco. Do yourself a favour and get there next year!