The Grand Final is fast approaching and the game is on in Melbourne for the first time in a couple of years. But, just like it has been in the past, tickets are going to be hard to come by. So, for those that know that they aren’t going to be making it to the ‘G on Saturday 24 September but still want to catch the action out on the street, these Melbourne bars and pubs have already put together feasts fit for the Grand Final. There’s also pre-game breakfasts to tuck into.
We’re sure that many will soon be following suit but without further ado, here are some great AFL feasts for you to start booking your tables now.
1. The Duke of Wellington
The Duke of Wellington is doing pre-game lunch on level one for just $59pp. Get two drinks and a classic pub meal before the game’s first bounce so you can head to the Grand Final in fine form.
Or, if you can tuck into the Grand Final Footy Pack and watch the game at The Duke of Wellington for $69pp. The pack includes two drinks, classic pub meal and three-quarter time snacks to help you deal with the nerves. A la carte options will be available for kids.
Bookings essential.Where: 146 Flinders Street, Melbourne
2. The Exchange Hotel
From the first siren to the final tune of the night, The Exchange Hotel is going to get busy on Grand Final Day. Downstairs is not only serving up $20 parmas from first to final siren, but they are also doing a Grand Final Day pack that’s too good to pass up.
Get pouring your welcome jug of beer on arrival and then tuck into half time foot snacks like pies, wedges, chips and more (veg option available) for just $40pp. Bookings are only available in the Dining Room, Lounge and Main Bar.
After the game, there’s music with DJs on the ones and twos from 10pm.
Bookings essential.Where: 39 Bay Street, Port Melbourne
3. Harlow
BBQ is on the menu at Harlow with platters to share with friends. Dig into slow-cooked brisket, lamb ribs, Kranksy Sausage, fries, slaw, and side salad for just $60 per platter. And they say that each platter feeds two.
Harlow is also doing regular bookings as well, so you can get your hands onto Two Birds beer buckets, and stick around for the after-party where DJs will be behind the decks.
Save yourself a seat here.Where: 447 Church St, Richmond
4. Middle Park Hotel
Get your brekky at the Middle Park Hotel and choose from a five-item menu plus a 90-minute bottomless mimosa package for $25pp. Lunch is on the cards, too.
Get booking here.Where: 102 Canterbury Road, Middle Park
5. Prince Alfred Hotel
Open from 9am for pre-game drinks, the Prince Alfred Hotel is doing a limited lunch menu but the reason why it’s making the list is that the table bookings are going to be numbered. In other words, they’re accepting walk-ins on the day.
Book your table here.Where: 619 Church Street, Richmond
6. The Boatbuilder’s Yard
Before you tuck into all the pork ribs, buffalo wings, cheese Kransky, beef brisket and pulled pork featured on the BBQ platter, you can work up an appetite playing handball and a bunch of other giant games at The Boatbuilder’s Yard. This year, vegetarians are being catered for as well with empanadas, tofu skewers, mushroom ragu, and mac & cheese croquettes among the offering.
Get all the info here.Where: 23 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf
7. The Provincial Hotel
Get yourself a seat to a bottomless brunch for just $60pp from 11am at The Provincial Hotel, or rock up closer to the start of the game and tuck into drinks and a pub classic for an extra $20.
Book a spot here.Where: 299 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
You can also book a table at one of the following Melbourne venues and catch the action on TVs and big screens while you tuck into a feed.
– The Auburn Hotel, 85 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn East
– Imperial Bourke St, 2-8 Bourke St, Melbourne
– The Crafty Squire, 127 Russell Street, Melbourne
– Beer DeLuxe Fed Square, Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne
– College Lawn Hotel, 36 Greville St, Prahran
– Victoria Hotel Yarraville, 188 Hyde Street, Yarraville
– Sarah Sands Hotel, 29 Sydney Road, Brunswick