Best Melbourne pubs: Donnybrook Hotel a hidden gem in the outer suburbs

If you haven’t had a feed at this country-style pub, you’re missing out. Here’s why punters from all around Melbourne agree it’s worth the trip.

Melbourne’s outer suburbs may not be an obvious choice for a top tourist attraction, but stop by Donnybrook Hotel and you might be surprised.

Located 32km north of the CBD, the historic pub with a colourful past embodies the semirural character of its namesake suburb.

On one side, you’ve got a busy main road, train station, and new housing estates.

On the other, sheep, ducks and alpacas graze open paddocks.

A lone palm tree out the front is the only hint of the oasis you’ll find inside.

The decor and soundtrack are by no means on the cutting edge of trends but features like an open fireplace and plant-filled beer garden breathe life into the rustic setting.

Stained glass windows honour the hotel’s heritage. Picture: Kirra Grimes

There doesn’t seem to be a typical customer.

Travelling tradies in hi-vis sit at the bar beside city-dwelling twenty-somethings dripping in gold jewellery and designer clothes.

Sheep-shearing services are advertised in the bar. Picture: Kirra Grimes

Around the corner in the dining room, an older couple enjoys a quiet glass of red a few tables away from a mum, dad and two kids tucking into fish and chips.

Another mum and dad, with teenage sons, are out for a birthday dinner.

Some nights, you could describe it as the ‘local’ where no one’s a local, with not a Donnybrook resident to be found even when the place is packed.

Grazing sheep, alpacas and ducks greet patrons pulling up to the Donnybrook Hotel carpark. Picture: Kirra Grimes

That’s because the menu is good enough to lure customers from suburbs near and far.

“You can’t go wrong” was the recurring comment on Monday night — steak night — as punters cleaned up generous portions plus a drink of choice — all for just $15.

The beer garden at Donnybrook Hotel. Picture: Kirra Grimes

Donnybrook Hotel has some great deals on the menu. Picture: Kirra Grimes

Tracey O’Brien and Max Walker of Mickleham tell us they come in every week to make the most of the deals.

A Mernda couple who remember it being a “very tired” venue years ago say they’ve recently started coming back thanks to new owners’ renovations.

Donnybrook mum Derya plays pool with kids Ella and Aydin at Donnybrook Hotel. Picture: Kirra Grimes

You’ll find a games room but no pokies at Donnybrook Hotel. Picture: Kirra Grimes

Donnybrook mum Derya says it’s a great place to bring the kids.

“The food’s really good, and there’s no gambling, no pokies, which is good,’’ she said.

“There’s not many places like this anymore around Melbourne.”

A Wallan family enjoys a birthday dinner on steak night at Donnybrook Hotel. Picture: Kirra Grimes

Manager Bek Batten is proud of the pub’s reputation for being family orientated.

She came on board around the same time new owners took over — about 4 and a half years ago — and says the revamped menu and dining spaces have been a hit with locals and tourists alike.

“We get people from everywhere: Wallan, Geelong … Bumf*ck Idaho,’’ she said.

“I think it’s just word of mouth.

“People know we’re more a country hotel — there’s no pokies or TAB and there never will be.”