We ate here on the recommendation of a local, who told us "The Bridge - beer garden, pool, decent food, bands sometimes, the Maine's token hipster pub (but in a good way)."
It is very much like a good Fitzroy pub, as Ross F suggests. They have a good selection of local ciders, and were knowledgeable about them (warning us that Henry of Harcourts is 2.8 standard drinks!)
The meals were great, and we came back a few times during our stay. Once for Open Mic Night, where locals played some really good music. There were moments when the singing got a bit 'X-Factor', but quite good. They have a "two for one meals" day on Monday. We were there on a Monday, but we had steaks and the two-for-one doesn't include steaks (which is fair enough). We came back the next Monday.
It's a good local, and caters to the inhabitants of "North-Northcote", as Castlemaine is sometimes known. It is a kind of "Melbourne fix", for those who might be suffering withdrawal.
Casual enough to host a party with children, hip enough to put on bands... The staff are cool, but not cold. I was able to answer a trivia question that was bothering the barmaid, and she seemed quite sincere in saying I was welcome back any time. My only observation that *could* possibly be considered a criticism is that the chef seems to really, really like fennel. read more