This review was originally published in May 2016 and since has been updated to reflect any changes in operation.
Opposite Queen Victoria markets on Peel Street, the Drunken Poet is Melbourne’s cosiest little shebeen. These guys pour the freshest pint of Guinness in the land, Vegemite-rich with living yeast, and a cracker Kilkenny to boot. Behind the bar you’ll usually find one of our favourite publicans, Siobhan Dooley, who’ll remember your name a year later and always has a smile on. There’s no kitchen, but you can get a toastie or a pickled egg if Guinness isn’t enough to live on (as if).
As for all true Éireanns, music is the soul of the Drunken Poet, here four nights a week and always free. Regulars include Wine, Women and Whisky showcasing local female talent every Wednesday, and Irish traditional sessions on Fridays. It’s decorated with portraits of poets long dead but not forgotten: may we never forget the best little Irish pub this side of Galway.
