The B.East

The Beast roared to life in 2012, adding some genuine flavour to this stretch of Lygon Street. It’s from the same team behind Section 8 and Ferdydurke and offers burgers, beers and a welcoming pub-like ambience.

The menu offers beef, chicken and vegetarian options, plus interesting sides. Everything apart from the buns is made on the premises. There's also a vegan barbeque night every Monday, which includes dishes such as vegan brisket burgers, mock chicken tenders and chargrilled vegan sausages.

On drinks there's an impressive range of beers and wines. Cocktails tend towards playful, such as Blood on the Tracks - "a Redskin in a cocktail" - and Frank Zappa, a cream-free Piña Colada.

On the small stage and on the decks, there’s an emphasis on showcasing local artists of a variety of genres. Visit on a Thursday night and you might catch a DJ spinning funk. But visit the next night and a punk band might be playing to a packed room.