Grace Darling Hotel

Built in 1854, the Grace Darling Hotel is Melbourne's second oldest pub and named after an English lighthouse keeper’s daughter famed for her heroic rescue of survivors from the shipwrecked Forfarshire in 1838. As a tribute to the building’s namesake, the modern interior is tastefully features ships and seascapes and retains its original floorboards and leadlight windows.

The venue comprises of a restaurant, public bar, and two band rooms available for private functions. We loved visiting the restaurant for dinner. The plant-filled space is intimate with plenty of natural light pouring in from the ceiling. In the evenings, the venue provides a lush candlelit sanctuary, ideal for intimate gatherings.

The menu utilises sustainable and local produce and presents a sophisticated interpretation of classic pub food with rotating seasonal specials. Alongside the menu sits a concise selection of wine, beer and spirits, which, like the menu, highlights local merchants. 

To start the charred tempeh skewers are a must. Flavour-laden, charred and served with creamy cashew puree and pickled cucumber salsa.

For mains the barramundi was a stunner. We loved the freshness of the fish which had been cooked incredibly well, allowing its natural flavours to shine through. The decadent cauliflower puree, warm white beans, shredded brussel sprouts, fine herbs, capers and moreish burnt butter served as the perfect accompaniments.

Another dish we loved was the spiced and toasted cauliflower salad. An enlivening salad of diced smoked tofu, mixed grains, nuts, macerated red onion, baby leaves brought together by a cider vinaigrette dressing, the salad was a medley of exciting flavours and textures which will appeal to even the most carnivorous individuals.

To finish, the New York cheesecake was charming. The cheesecake was beautifully smooth and we loved the fact that it was not too sweet and went wonderfully with the chocolate soil and plum mud.

The Grace Darling Hotel delights with unpretentious interpretation of classic pub fare. Certainly worth a visit.

Location: 114 Smith Street, Collingwood
Phone: (03) 9416 0055
Link: http://thegracedarlinghotel.com.au/