Portland Hotel - Melbourne

This is now a James Squire pub, called The Crafty Squire, Brewhouse and Kitchen. As a lover of James Squire beers, I located this hotel in Russell Street, just up the road from Her Majesty's Theatre. There is a great selection of ale, lagers and ciders on tap. Although it is more expensive than other beers, they are worth it. The food would sate any epicures taste. From small plates (entre sizes) to main meals there is a vast selection. Try the Salt and Five pepper calamari, melt in the mouth. The staff go out of their way to assist with beer (sample tastes) and food service. It is clean, tidy and centrally located. One the pubs I call a 'crab pot pub' (once your in you stay in), a wonderful place to meet up and have a meal and cold beer. The entertainment in another area was solo artists in for amateur singing and they were pleasant to listen to.

The staff were not interested, the food was really bad and the experience was very disappointing! Being locals, we have given this venue ample times to prove they have improved, however, each time is the same.

Great pub to be comfortable and relax with friends over a nice cold refreshment. My two nephews had the parmy for dinner and they were huge.

Now known as Crafty Squires - this alehouse style venue offers 2 in-house brewed beers as well as a selection of Squires beers brewed elsewhere.The staff were very friendly in advising us on the different beers on offer. We wanted a light lunch so we both ordered the Ploughman's. This was very well presented and went really well with our beer. It consisted of chicken liver pate, pickles, aged cheddar, tomato chutney and sourdough bread. Delicious.

We called to this restaurant before a show. Impressed by the friendly prompt service. My wife and I each ordered a steak and they were delicious. The potato serving that came with mine was very tasty. Only drawback was a rowdy table of Friday work finishers but we weren't close enough for them to bother our overall experience.