Springrock, which opens today, promises to bring a modern version of an old country pub to the CBD. The new venue from the team behind barbeque restaurant Fancy Hank’s is at the site that formerly housed Grand Trailer Park Taverna between Fancy Hank’s and Good Heavens. But it’s far from purgatory. In fact, it’s the gateway to a fancy sit-down meal, a late-night cocktail and a bit of country Vic.

“We’ve connected all three venues so guests can have a cocktail on the rooftop, have dinner at Fancy Hank’s and then a late-night beer at Springrock,” co-owner Mike Patrick says. “We see all three venues as like one big pub, with a restaurant, rooftop and front bar on offer”.

The new venue, led by former Izakaya Den head chef Jarrod Di Blasi, is named after Patrick’s grandfather’s Gippsland property.

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Patrick tells Broadsheet the fit-out nods to old country pubs and mid-century architecture. There’s Japanese tiles and 70s-inspired carpeting that sings Australiana with a deep green and gold pattern.

Head chef Jarrod Di Blasi has designed a menu with elevated pub classics to fit with the venue’s country pub feel.

That means oysters Kilpatrick, a dish that Patrick says makes both him and Di Blasi laugh, as they both started their careers as chefs at RSL clubs whipping up the ’90s menu staple. Other highlights include chicken salt fries, a classic chicken parma, “crispy AF chicken” served with Fancy Hank’s chilli mayo and a hot honey-glazed pork sausage with coleslaw.

There are also cheffy nuggets made from lamb shoulder – braised, for now, in a stock Di Blasi brought with him from the Izakaya Den freezer, and served with a jalapeno mint jelly. There’s also a cheeseburger made using the trim from Fancy Hank’s brisket, the Fancy Hank’s barbeque sauce and bacon from the Springrock kitchen smoker.

Desserts lean American with sweet options of s’mores, rice crispies, chocolate-dipped pretzels and a coffee bourbon sundae.

At the centre of the pub is a U-shaped bar where you can order from Springrock’s 20-page drinks menu that includes classic cocktails, European and Victorian wines and spirits. No- and low-alco options are limited but include Non and Heaps Normal drinks.

Springrock
87 Bourke Street, Melbourne
03 9453 2882

Hours:
Sun to Wed midday–midnight
Thu, Fri & Sat midday–2am

springrock.com.au
@springrockpublicbar