I wouldn't necessarily say that this was a random pub that I visited, namely because I knew that it…read morewas here, and I intentionally got off the train to go and check it out. Well, I guess it was a good thing that I did so since I found this place to be quite nice. Actually, they had a pretty large outdoor area as well, though their selection of beers wasn't all that great. Still, it was quite a nice pub.

An inner city pub that hasn't been touched with the wand of gentrification is as rare as hens…read moreteeth. I usually enjoy these dive pubs and can happily sink cheap beer for a few hours. Not so much at Hardimans. I almost immediately screwed up my nose and began to mentally refurbish the decor, which didnt include the ingrained regulars. This place is just a touch too bogan, I get they have their clientele but im just not a fan of footy on the big screen above my mains. Anyway a friend and I were resolute to get the Thursday $12 parma/pot special. The service was fine, cant complain for $12. The parma was massive with a wee side salad and chips, look it was pretty dry but satisfied a baser carnivorous instinct. Theres the front bar/pub/dining space which also has live music occasionally. Out the back is a "fancier" dining space open for lunch and dinner. I cant comment on the other food besides the parma but I would stick to the pub basics. Not rushing back in a hurry.

Revolt art space is a wonderful, amazing venue located in the suburb of Kensington, which is about…read more10 minutes away from the CBD. When I first came here it was to see one of my favorite bands (Bonjah) play on Australia day 2010. I was blown away. The huge 'factory' is abundant with art. It's visual candy - everywhere. There are separate rooms with couches filled with sculptures and paintings. It has a main stage with with ample room for standing to watch a band or performer. Performers vary from dancers to mimes to comedians to actors. Revolt is open most days - it has a chill atmosphere you can just call in have a coffee and read a book or attend one of the many events which can be found on their website. The staff at Revolt are a family - literally. They took lease of the space in 2009 and have worked hard to make it what it is today. I was lucky enough to volunteer during the 2011 Fringe Festival which was a great experience. I encourage you all to call into Revolt & check it out, if only for the visual experience. You will be amazed at this place & wonder why you have never visited there before. They serve alcohol & have bar food. http://www.revoltproductions.com/home/

Revolt is a secret pirate cave of wonderment. I want to say more, but I don't think I could capture…read morethe excitement of the first time I entered and wandered around the many rooms and spaces that have amassed in this new performing arts centre in Kensington. It's a maze, designed with both performers and audience in mind. The crew make sure you're getting a truly unique experience by either attending or using Revolt to stage your event. What's more (and the bit I think I like the most) is their philosophy of supporting new artists. For someone with a great idea but not a big plan on how to market that idea, this is possibly the place to approach to stage it. It's a bit of a secret, really, tucked down a back street in an unassuming warehouse district, but not one that should stay so.

This is another awesome bar, and it literally snuck up on me. I say this because as I was wandering…read morealong the road towards another destination I looked up and suddenly I saw this bar. Well, I went inside and it was literally love at first site - great beers, awesome outdoor area, and great staff. Not only that but this place was also incredibly chilled. This is the type of bar, if I lived in the area, would end ups spending an awful lot of time at.

So blown away by this hip little bar in Footscray. Incredibly friendly staff and patrons. Can't go…read morepast the cheap BBQ and bloody Mary's on a Sunday. Was particularly delighted to see the owner offer table with a small girl, some bubble making toys and a bag of chips to keep her amused. Even the patrons were friendly and great to chat to. The DJ played an eclectic mix of music too. Will certainly my return.

State of Grace was one of the highlights of our Melbourne trip -- an incredible dining experience…read morefrom start to finish. The atmosphere is vibrant, stylish, and full of character. From the moment you walk in, there's a buzz that makes the place feel alive without being overwhelming. It strikes a great balance between upscale and relaxed, making it perfect for a date night or a fun evening out. The warm lighting and eclectic design add to the charm and make you want to linger. Service was friendly, attentive, and well-paced throughout the night. The staff were knowledgeable about the menu, checked in on us at the right moments, and made the whole experience feel effortless and welcoming. Every dish we ordered was excellent -- not a single miss. We started with the Cauliflower & Mozzarella Croquettes, which were crispy on the outside and perfectly creamy inside. The Grilled King Prawns were flavorful and cooked just right, while the Kingfish Ceviche was fresh, bright, and beautifully balanced. The Stracciatella & Heirloom Tomatoes was simple yet outstanding, letting the quality of the ingredients shine. For mains, the Duck Breast was cooked perfectly and full of rich flavor, and the Lamb Backstrap was tender and well-seasoned. The Pecorino & Ricotta Ravioli was comforting and delicate, while the Seafood Linguine stood out with generous portions of seafood and a beautifully balanced sauce. The Honey Glaze Carrots were the perfect side -- sweet, savory, and executed flawlessly. Overall, State of Grace delivers on every level -- ambience, service, and food. An exceptional spot that lives up to the hype, and one we'd absolutely return to on our next visit to Melbourne.

State of Grace has a positive vibe. Even before your first drink you will think oh what a cool…read moreplace. It's the decor from extravagant chandeliers to deer heads with pearl necklaces; it's beautifully eclectic. I had an old fashion and it had the right mix of orange and bitters. I also ordered the burger which was decent and the fries were hot and crispy. The night I visited there was a live singer playing tunes. Service was quick and friendly. Even the ordering is eclectic as you order electronically (QR) pasted to a library book. This place is worth a visit.

We rock up with a voucher. Can't even work out how to get in. From the outside it looks like a…read moretotal dive. I wonder where the motorbike gangs are. Then we step into the spacious rear beer garden and it transforms. A great layout and plenty of space (in part due to the lack of people). Inside it's been renovated with solid wooden bar tables and so much room and cozy spotz. Dance floor and band stage. Sunlit cubby complete with cushions. It's great! Staff are friendly. The limited menu is supremely well priced. Parmas from $10, desserts for a fiver. Drinks are cheap. Fat Yak on tap always makes me happy. The food came out super fast. It tasted good. It's not a gastropub but we hardly need more of them. The biggest shame is that more people don't know about it. Great for private parties. Excellent for a cheap feed a quick bevvie. Gotta love a beer garden. Get to it! All your friends will be impressed about your well hidden gem find!

Between 3.5 and 4 out of 5…read more. "...WHY THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS..?? WE LOVED IT..." Bought a Groupon Voucher for a meal at the COMMERCIAL HOTEL, Yarraville - COST $20 for 4.. YES.. that's $5 each..!! We made a day of it - Went to Scienceworks in Spotswood.. Had Lunch in Newport.. Saw a film at The Sun Theatre.. Finished off with Dinner at 'The Mersh'.. Yes, I agree.. from the outside it looks 'CLOSED' - that's part of it's charm, but when you get in - from the side car park gate - it's all good.. really good.. We ate in the beer garden - reminded me of a good rough inland country pub.. The 'tranny' posters on the inside walls.. so reminiscent of Oxford Street, Sydney.. It's a pretty eclectic place - I was enchanted by it... And there were quite a few eclectic diners - A good sign.. Staff are laid-back... whatever... all good... no probs... kinda people - really really liked this... We had our 'Mersh Parma' - not huge, but enjoyable.. Well cooked Parma, home-made Napoli Sauce, nice-tasting Mozzarella, crisp well-seasoned Steak Fries, well-dressed fresh Salad.. A good honest home-style meal.. Hey... what do you want for $5...!!! We had dessert: $5 each 2 x very large wedges HOME-MADE Apple Pie - Delish... 2 x very large slices HOME-MADE Raspberry Cheesecake - Very Delish... Drinks: $31 total 2 x jugs Lemon Squash 2 x pots VB Beer We will absolutely go again - my kind of 'really relaxed' place... Visited on Friday 9 October for Dinner with my family of four.

Did you know there's a cinema hidden away in Southbank/South Melbourne? It was news to me too, but…read moreI went to The Backlot Studios to check it out as an event venue. Backlot is a private cinema, open to groups - think work functions, parties, hens/bucks (apparently you can play games on the big screen too). The cinema fits about 80 people and the chairs are so comfy. Big black leather seats and big double seats in the back. Unlike some smaller/pop-up movie theatres, this place gives you the proper cinema experience - dark, big screen, big sound, no distractions from the outside world. There is a candy bar at the front that will play videos (and logos if you're a business hiring it out). They have catering options or there's a small surcharge per head to bring in food/drink depending on what kind of catering you're looking at. Looking forward to heading back to catch a movie with a friend or 70.

What an evening. This cinema takes intimate seriously and although I got to experience it as part…read moreof an event I would love to find out what it is like as an everyday screening. With only one screening room they managed to really make watching a movie comfortable. Between the giant leather couches, the free private parking, the movie sound which plays in the bathroom so that you don't get left behind and the decor which makes going to the movies more authentic they really did well. To top it off they even have couple's leather chairs so that you can really get up close when your parter gets a fright. I'll make sure to post more in depth once I've experience it for real!

It's effective as a rehearsal venue with plenty of room at affordable prices, however, I could've…read moregiven them another star if the front counter was open at 7pm on both nights that we rehearsed there this month. No vending machines for water at least. The lobby can get smoky due to smokers just outside the main entrance. Parking is only street parking, but there's a loading bay for your band instruments. The Bengal Bar and stage look inviting.

Hidden gem! Visited with both sets of parents and we all loved it! Fantastic vibe, amazing food and…read moredrinks! Best sandwiches we have had - great combos, super fresh, quality ingredients! The coffee and smoothies were delicious as well. Can't speak more highly of this place! Will be back very soon :).

Contemporary art & theatre in a wonderful setting…read more Went west to catch a highly rated play "Cain & Abel" which whilst disturbing was a revelation. But this isn't a review of the play, the theatre space was fantastic (an aisle on the right of the stage would be handy as you have to hop over other patrons legs), seating a lot but every seat with a view. Stage massive and could suit large productions. Gallery space downstairs fantastic with a number of rooms able to show works by different artists. Again a great use of an old building's space. Bar a little ordinary with one red & 2 whites to choose from & your standard fare, wine only average at $8 a glass. Wonderful space I'll be visiting again.

The substation is an iconic building of Melbourne's west. If you've ever tracked by rail through…read moreNewport, you've seen it. When I was growing up, it was derelict and home to many homeless and winos. And of course the fascination to kids all around. All the "cool kids" would break in to throw rocks at the window, or so my cool older sister would tell me. I was too busy at trombone practice. Newly renovated to resemble a New York loft, the substation is opened for business. Ideal for many functions, current uses are performances, art shows and markets. I do believe they can host wedding, though I'm not sure they have kitchen facilities. All in all, it's a modern building with multiple uses. The only (major) downfall is there is no aircon. Meaning during summer it can and does get extremely hot. And for that reason, it's 3, not 4 stars.