Chicken parma and Carlton Draught crowned champions in Victorian pub report
It’s no secret Victorians love their pubs, now a new report has revealed the most popular meal and beer ordered by punters across the state.
A chicken parma washed down with Carlton Draught remains the undisputed champion of Victoria’s pub scene, according to the industry’s first comprehensive report into what keeps locals coming back to their favourite watering holes.
Victoria’s pub and hotel industry has released its inaugural consolidated, evidence-based State of the Industry Report, offering a comprehensive insight into how Victorians prefer to dine and drink.
Compiled by the Australian Hotels Association (AHA), the report indicates that Victorians tend towards traditional preferences.
The humble chicken parmigiana emerged as the most popular meal choice, while Carlton Draught was the most ordered beer across the state.
The report also found that Great Northern and Carlton Dry were popular choices among drinkers, with Guinness also featuring prominently.
For wine enthusiasts, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blancs were favourites, and vodka and Hard Solo made it into the top 10 beverages.
Steak was the second most popular meal order, followed by fish and chips, burgers, and roast.
The report also highlighted the significant economic contribution of the sector.
Victorian licensed venues purchase approximately 21,000 kegs a week, translating to an estimated $1.6bn in annual beverage revenue.
Furthermore, Victorians consumed around 1.45m meals weekly, contributing an additional $1.9bn in annual revenue.
The report, which synthesised statewide polling, market research, benchmarking data, and patron surveys, underscored the substantial social and economic contribution of pubs and hotels to their local communities.
The industry employs around 64,122 Victorians, supporting an estimated $1.84bn in wages.
It also revealed that pubs collectively contribute $29.7m every year to local charities, sporting clubs, community groups, emergency services, and cultural initiatives.
Polling commissioned by the AHA also demonstrated a high level of public confidence in local pubs.
Eighty-three per cent of respondents stated that pubs are an important part of Victorian social life, and 77 per cent agreed that pubs are safe places to drink.
These figures led the AHA to declare that the findings “highlight the sector’s transformation over time, puncturing outdated stereotypes of pubs as unruly spaces and instead revealing sophisticated, well-managed venues that prioritise safety, compliance and community connection.”
Matt Dawson, General Manager of Corporate and Public Affairs for the Australian Hotels Association (Victoria), emphasised the vital role of local pubs in communities.
“This report proves what Victorians already know: pubs and hotels aren’t just businesses — they’re community anchors. They are employers, investors, event hosts, crisis responders and the social glue that keeps towns connected,” he stated.
“We need to make sure that pubs and hotels can thrive as part of a vibrant Victoria. The numbers speak for themselves: Victorians feel safe in pubs, they enjoy pubs, and they trust pubs.”
Originally published as Chicken parma and Carlton Draught crowned champions in Victorian pub report
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