he team that gave us nanna-chic cafe Grigons & Orr corner store in North Melbourne have spread their wings and taken over the Royal Park Hotel in North Melbourne.

Just a few doors up from their corner store, Kellie Grigons and Margo Orr have given the 1855 pub the op-shop once-over, making it a rather nice licensed sister to their cafe and brunch spot.

“It took three weeks to get it ready,” says Grigons. “We didn’t change any of the structure, we just zhoozhed it up, searching through op-shops to get our decorations. It was a whirlwind! We’re exhausted,” she says with a smile.

There’s $10 jugs, a lazy game of pool, good honest pub-food with a 70s twist (think carpet bag steaks and roasts for two served in a Dutch oven) and all the charm you’d expect from a Grigons and Orr venue. Throwing open the doors a few weeks ago in March, they’re barely three weeks old but the beer garden is already becoming a local favourite, with regulars (by day) from their corner store making the short trip for dinner and drinks (by night).

And take note: beers here are served by the pony. Why? Well it’s a great Aussie pub tradition, and it means you get to drink your beer while it’s cold.

There’s dog day afternoon on Saturday, so bring your four-legged friend to the courtyard and stay tuned for Sunday roasts.

Royal Park Hotel
399 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne
(03) 9329 4519

Hours
Daily 4pm–1am
Dinner 6pm–9.30pm
Lunch hours still to come

grigonsorr.com.au