The Village Inn

Owner Leeroy Petersen, who spent his previous life travelling the world as a flair bartender, bought this heritage-listed building in 2013 and began a transformation from the top down. He established the Print Room, a wine and cocktail lounge on the balcony, and The Village Inn is its downstairs counterpart.

Heritage foundations, such as convict-hewed bricks, now function as design features. Old-style street lamps brighten the cozy interior fitted out with brown leather lounges, corner booths, long wooden benches and clusters of round tables and bar stools.

Head chef Noel Phear’s menu is both rustic and modern. Offerings include Nordic-style cured salmon, stout-braised lamb shanks, a variety of salads and its signature “burwiches”, a cross between a burger and a sandwich.

On Mondays and Tuesday from 12pm to 3pm the Inn hosts Mums and Bubs, where mothers' groups are encouraged to park their prams inside and enjoy cheeseboards and wine. There’s sport on a television in the corner, and Peterson hopes to incorporate a night of salsa or Spanish Flamenco dancing in the future.