The Raccoon Club in Preston is a local watering hole with a laid back atmosphere. You can check your ego and attitude at the door as the owners more interested in an adult crowd than people who want to bang down shots. There’s also an emphasis on a low carbon footprint by specialising in Victorian craft beer and wine.

Tap beer continuously rotates in variety to capitalise on refreshing new beverages from local brewing operations. Wines are from King and Yarra Valley, Red Hill, Avoca and assorted local regions with a strict Victorian presence on the list. There's free, self-serve sparkling water to chase your beer.

Raccoon food consists of antipasto plates and a cheese of the week with the odd homemade baked terrine and tarts surfacing. Meals are also delivered from nearby Indian restaurant, Masala Craft on High Street Thornbury, as well as local pizza dealers.

With free pool games available, punters can spin their own records on a deluxe turntable (Tom Waits, Nico, The Rolling Stones are recommended) as relaxation takes place on the box seating and lounges fashioned by local designer Merinda Garrett.

An outdoor space in the front overlooks the 86 tram route, while retro furniture store Model No. 143 and cafe Boundary Espresso are right next door.