The Subiaco Hotel

Some establishments are lucky to last a year, let alone a century. The Subiaco Hotel has stood since 1897, before prime ministers existed. And while that particular position of power is notably inconsistent, The Subiaco Hotel can still be relied upon to deliver on its promise of quality food and drink.

An excellent menu of pub classics features welcome cameos from international guests. A blow-torched hiramasa fillet with wasabi salad and beetroot crisp is like fish and chips from the Far East. A salad of wheat-berry tabbouleh, orange brik pastry and shredded lamb is the Middle Eastern counterpart of the Caesar Salad with candied bacon and grilled chicken.

The concise wine menu also favours a global approach, with sparklings, champagnes, reds and whites from Europe, South America and Australia. Cocktails include the playful Passionfruit Cheesecake, Tiramisu Martini and Black Forest Sparkler.

Despite the history, the interior is far from old school. A 2014 renovation delivered metallic fittings that are striking in their design but restrained in their placement, making for a contemporary space that still respects its Gold Rush origins.