The team behind Melbourne’s music institution The Old Bar is pleased to announce the new incarnation of one Abbotsford’s oldest treasures The Carringbush Hotel. Focusing strongly on sustainability, its meat-free menu is largely vegan, all wine on tap, no packaged beer, eco-friendly reusable metal straws, ethical plates, environmentally friendly lighting and heating. Gone are the days of when the pub’s natural light was shunned, with the formerly frosted arched windows replaced by big, clear portals looking onto the leafy streets of Abbotsford mirrored by the indoor plant design by Red Letter Landscapes.

Originally called The Friendly Societies Hotel – a name that still adorns the façade, the pub has served as a meeting spot for all walks of life who have enjoyed a drink and a meal over the counter since 1889.

In honour of the iconic Australian novel, ‘Power Without Glory’, published in 1950, the pub adopted its new name, The Carringbush Hotel in 1984. Author Frank Hardy tells a tale of Melbourne’s criminal underground, set in the fictional suburb of Carringbush. Many of the characters were based on real-life figures who frequented the original Friendly Societies Hotel.

Fast forward to 2019 with a whole new look and feel, owners Joel Morrison, Liam Matthews and Singa Unlayiti along with General Manager, Jen Drane, have enlisted former music journalist Tim Cashmere as the pub’s Wine and Spirits buyer. Tim is the brains behind The Carringbush’s unique wine and spirits list selecting high-quality wine through the pub’s tap systems. With over 21 beers on tap, including premium icons, unusual delights and of course all the locals, Stomping Ground, Fixation, Mountain Goat and Moon Dog.  Tim brings a wealth of knowledge from his time spent as the sommelier at Melbourne’s iconic Gertrude Street Enoteca and manager of East Brunswick cellar door of winery Noisy Ritual which he helped build from its humble beginnings.

In keeping with the musical theme, Head Chef Roxanne Olsen and bassist for local band Glomesh, cut her teeth at The Grand Hyatt training in premium service before opting for the more laid-back vibe of iconic music venue The Corner Hotel and local famed brewery Stomping Ground. Roxanne brings her diverse experience to The Carringbush, meticulously researching ingredients to ensure her meat-free dishes live up to the pub’s ethos of sustainability without sacrificing flavour. Roxanne’s current menu creations include her Halloumi & Mushroom Burger, Sweet Potato Steak, Chilli Non Carne, Vegetable Charcuterie Plate, Chocolate Stout Black, Maple Teriyaki Tofu, Forest Cake, Mango Coconut Tart plus a separate Kids Menu.

We are working hard to be a pub that enjoys the benefit of delicious food and drink, without costing the earth. Our food and drink range has been carefully selected to meet a high-quality standard, that also works to support small and independent local business whilst minimising our global footprint, explains owner Liam Matthews. 

The Carringbush Hotel is far from your average pub, it’s modern, but with an old-school pub vibe, it’s family friendly, a place where you can take your kids, meet your friends, and is also available for private events.

THE CARRINGBUSH HOTEL
228 Langridge Street, Abbotsford
Sunday – Thursday:11am – 11pm
Friday & Saturday: 11am – 12am

Lunch Special
One free pot of beer with any main meal
21 taps to choose from
Monday – Friday11am – 2pm daily

Happy Hour
$8 Pints
21 beers to choose from
4 – 6pm, 7 days a week

Trivia
“Fact Hunt Trivia” with Tristan Harris (RRR)
Monthly – Tuesday nights commencing Tuesday 19 March

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