Rochester Castle Hotel

Right on Johnston Street, there’s an inner-north staple doing pub culture a little differently. Forget the standard menu—those who frequent the Rochester Castle Hotel point straight to the kitchen’s Kerala-inspired fare. Think vibrant South Indian-fusion bites, beautifully presented Thursday steaks, and Friday dollar wings. The aesthetic hits that perfect Fitzroy frequency. Vintage decor with a thousand stories inside—crackling fireplaces and killer playlists—spilling out into a seriously hip, sun-drenched beer garden out back. Dog owners flock here for afternoon pints, while the evening crowd dives into the fancy G&T menu. Cozy. Creative. A proper Victorian pub with a serious culinary edge.