As you walk into the Newmarket Hotel you’re at first surprised; you then explore and you’re excited; finally you take your seat and gaze at the menu and you’re intrigued…

The Newmarket Hotel was once a standard pub serving a local clientele and advertising Hungarian and Continental cuisine. Some may even remember this local dive as home of the infamous “tits and schnitz” night…we’re not admitting anything!

Now though, the Newmarket is a shadow of its former self; literally all that’s left is the facade. It’s a unique and edgy pub concept where the indoor and outdoor spaces blend naturally.  There’s a huge light infused bar and dining room plus outdoor beer garden with corner banquettes where everyone’s encouraged to cozy up and share.

Unlike other ‘gastro’ pub offerings one glance at the menu reveals a more deliberate approach at targeting a specific cuisine. Here, at the Newmarket, it’s all about the Latin influenced flavours of California. Local produce from the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and the Grampians paired to create delights like Prawn, Carnitas or Bone Marrow Tacos; guacamole with plantain chips and rare breed roasts from a smoking hot wood fire oven and BBQ.

There’s a lot on offer so if it’s a mix of flavours you’re after our server Nate mentioned that they’d also happily do the picking for you. As for the drinks, there’s some creativity going on here also – no wine or beer is served in bottles. Carafes of wine, jugs of Californian influenced cocktails and 17 beer taps keep us all ‘hydrated’.

You’ll love the Newmarket. It’s still homely like your local but with creativity and personal service that other like establishments will aspire to.

Location: 34 Inkerman Street, St Kilda

Reservations: 9537 1777

Hours: noon-1am