The culmination of the domestic football season, the AFL Grand Final pits the two best teams against each other to decide the premier of 2019.
Join the masses in embracing one of the nation’s most iconic sporting events by descending on pubs across the city, with action live and loud in the heart of Melbourne and the neighbourhoods that surround it.
Garden State Hotel
A sprawling, four-level pub in the heart of Melbourne on Flinders Lane, Garden State Hotel provides plenty of action on the big screen and across a range of spaces both indoor and out. Tune in to the big game across the ground floor bar and beer garden before heading downstairs at half time for a cocktail in the Rose Garden Saloon. 101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, 3000, +61 (03) 8396 5777
The Duke
The Duke was established in 1853, making it the oldest licensed pub in Melbourne and their association with Australian rules football is arguable just as long. Boasting a fresh modern look, the menu delivers some of the best pub food in town. Be sure to reserve a booth on the rooftop after the match. 146 Flinders Street, Melbourne, 3000, +61 (03) 9810 0066
The Imperial
With stunning views of Parliament House and back towards the city, the impressive Imperial Rooftop is a large relaxed space, decked out with plenty of seating, 20 beers on tap and the rooftop’s own kitchen, serving sandwiches, burgers and more. The rooftop sits above one of Melbourne’s popular sports pubs and will no doubt be packed to the rafters on Grand Final Day. 2-8 Bourke Street, Melbourne, 3000, +61 (03) 9810 0062
Come together with friends in the heart of the football action at Riverland, with hardcore fans of competing teams set to deliver a buzzing crowd from early in the morning. Big screens across the beer garden ensure you can watch the game from across the venue, with a crowd-pleasing menu of football favourites curated to celebrate the day. Vault 1-9 Federation Wharf, Melbourne, 3000, +61 (03) 9662 1771
There are options aplenty at the Prahran Hotel, with the Upton Bar delivering a dedicated space to tune into the AFL Grand Final alongside a hive of action in the Garden Bar downstairs. Tables can also be booked in the restaurant, bringing together a stellar menu and live football across multiple screens. 82 High St, Prahran, 3181, +61 (03) 9529 2168
Builders Arms Hotel
Doors are set to swing open early at the Builders Arms Hotel, with egg and bacon rolls on the menu for those that arrive early enough. The Public Bar will deliver beer specials across the course of the big match with things to get live and loud as the volume is turned up from the first bounce until the final siren. 221 Gertrude St, Fitzroy, 3065, +61 (03) 9417 7700
The Rose Fitzroy
Another traditional old pub that’s been given a bit of love in the form of a new layout, drinks and food menu whilst retaining its traditional character and loyalty to the sporting crowd. In the heart of eclectic Fitzroy, this corner local feels like an extension to the lounge room and is an institution of the north. 406 Napier St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, +61 (03) 9417 3626
Northcote Social Club
Known as one of Melbourne’s most popular live music venues attracting an array of local and international music talent seven nights a week - Northcote Social Club is throwing open its doors for a free Grand Final event on September 29th. There’s a public bar downstairs, and a fully heated beer garden out on the deck. The menu serves more than your average pub grub. 301 High Street, Northcote, +61 (03) 9489 3917
The London Tavern
Another iconic Melbourne pub, this time in the heart of Richmond and close to Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) the home of the AFL Grand Final. A typical corner pub with a sprawling beer garden where punters can almost hear the roar of the crowd. A new menu offers plenty of options for lining the stomach on a day which can involve much imbibing of local ales. 238 Lennox St, Richmond, Victoria, 3121, +61 (03) 9428 6894
Richmond Club Hotel
Yet another classic historic hotel in a city that has more than its fair share. Richmond Club Hotel is an iconic Melbourne pub built in the late 1800’s located just a short stroll from the MCG, Rod Laver Arena and AAMI Park. A sprawling three level venue with a public bar to watch the big game, a dining room, a beer garden and a rooftop with a killer view of Melbourne’s skyline. 100 Swan Street, Richmond, +61 03 9428 6722
The Corner Hotel
A live music icon with a band room on the ground floor, the Corner Hotel embraces the AFL Grand Final like no other with the game broadcast live across the front bar, the rooftop and a live site in the venue’s car park. A post-game party featuring DJs sees the celebration continue well into the night. 57 Swan St, Richmond, 3121, +61 (03) 9427 7300
Hotel Esplanade
The Main Bar, the Public Bar and the Gershwin Room at the refurbished Hotel Esplanade are set to embrace the AFL Grand Final, with walk-ins welcome for bar snacks, pub classics and wood-fired pizzas. Visitors can book a table at Mya Tiger, embracing its delicious menu and range of cocktails long into the evening. 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda, 3182, +61 (03) 9534 0211
The Middle Park Hotel
With an emphasis on quality food and drink and sleek but simple sophistication, The Middle Park Hotel provides a high-end experience for customers who expect nothing less. Capturing the essence of an exclusive gentleman’s club while paying homage to ‘true blue’ Melbourne sporting pub culture, Middle Park Hotel also offers 25 boutique hotel rooms for those visitors looking to get a real South Melbourne immersion. 102 Canterbury Rd, Middle Park VIC 3206, +61 (03) 9810 0079
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