Walk-in winners: Eight classic corner pubs to watch the AFL grand final

Looking for somewhere last minute to watch the AFL grand final with atmosphere, authenticity, cold beer and great parmas? A classic Melbourne pub ticks all the boxes. Carn the Pies – or Brisbane, if you’re brave – and prepare for cheers, good-natured jeers, spilt beers and the feeling of being part of a passionate tribe united in victory (or defeat) for a few hours.

Here are eight classic pubs, rebooted and ready to give you the ultimate grand final day out (short of actually being at the MCG). Bonus points for not needing a booking, but get there early to avoid disappointment.

The London Tavern, Richmond

Its proximity to the mighty ’G makes this grand old boozer the perfect spot for a De Goey or Daniher debrief before or after the game. But if you didn’t nab a ticket, it’s also a cracking spot to watch the action on the big screens. The beer garden will be the prime viewing spot this sunny Saturday. For a bucket-list footy experience, jostle for a spot among the diehards in the main bar while sipping Carlton Draught and yelling at players who’ll never hear you. Walk-ins only from 9am.

238 Lennox Street, Richmond, londontavernhotel.com

The Rose, Fitzroy

This backstreet Fitzroy favourite prides itself on showing every footy match throughout the season (and blasting the winning team’s song after the final siren), but there’s only game that matters this weekend. It’ll be packed, it’ll be rowdy, there’ll be plenty of HD screens, and there might even be spontaneous kick-to-kick on the street at half-time. Walk-ins welcome from midday and upstairs will be open from 1pm.

406 Napier Street, Fitzroy, therosefitzroy.com.au

The Imperial Hotel, CBD

This slice of Spring Street is home to some of Melbourne’s coolest spots, including City Wine Shop, Siglo, The European and Spring St Grocer. The Imperial will never be one of them. But don’t let that put you off, its character and characters are all part of its charm. Walk-ins are welcome in the downstairs bar, plus there’ll be live acoustic music from 6pm to help you celebrate or soothe your sorrows. The refurbed rooftop bar with views to the ’G is booked out, but sneak up there afterwards for sunset sips.

2-8 Bourke Street, Melbourne, bourkestreetimperial.com

The Victoria Hotel, Footscray

Sons and daughters of the west will gather at this handsome corner hotel for live and loud footy on the big screens and $15 jugs of Young Henrys beer. Join them from midday for all the action – and one of the best chicken parmas in Melbourne – in pared-back, unpretentious surrounds.

43 Victoria Street, Footscray, victoriahotelfootscray.com

The Orrong Hotel, Armadale

This beautifully restored art deco hotel will ramp up the rowdiness as footy fans pack in to watch the big dance on the big screens. Snack on retro dishes like mac ‘n’ cheese croquettes, Louisiana hot wings, and party pies (of course) washed down with craft beers or cocktails in this friendly establishment with a slightly more refined edge.

709 High Street, Armadale, orronghotel.com

The Duke of Wellington, CBD

Melbourne’s oldest pub is a mere 15-minute walk from the MCG, making it the perfect pitstop for lucky spectators before or after the match. With live music from 10.30am until 1pm and a rooftop party after the final siren, it’s set to be a long and lively celebration. It’ll also be showing the big match loud and proud on multiple big screens.

146 Flinders Street, Melbourne, dukeofwellington.com.au

The Royal Derby, Fitzroy

The sprawling Royal Derby may be a little rough around the edges, but it’s got plenty of heart and soul. As the official pub for Brisbane Lions fans a great atmosphere is guaranteed, so don something red, yellow and blue and get among it for raffles, rousing footy and an almighty roar, no matter what the result.

446 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy royalderbyhotel.com.au

The Birmingham, Fitzroy

The Birmy on the corner of Smith and Johnston streets is technically in Fitzroy, but it’s Collingwood all the way. It’s the official pub for Magpies supporters, and owner Mitch bleeds black and white. Seats for the main event are booked out, but there’ll be some room for walk-ins – and from 11am to 1pm the famous parma is just $20 and pints are $8.

333 Smith Street, Fitzroy birminghamhotel.com.au

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