Pubs typically bring to mind multi-storey buildings, sprawling beer gardens and maybe even a pool table or two. Nixie Nox in Richmond flips that idea on its head, billing itself as “Richmond’s smallest pub.”
Co-owned by Chris Dore, Marilla Gair and Stu Bellis, the new spot distils the spirit of a local into an 80-person venue that blurs the line between cocktail bar and public bar. “A pub is a community hub where the publicans are in the building, pouring beers and ready for a chat,” say the owners. That ethos is front and centre in this compact space that trades scale for intimacy.
The food menu plays fast and loose with pub classics. There’s a chicken parma and a pasta ragu, sure, but also scallops crumbed and served with parsnip puree and chorizo, or slow-roasted beef brisket burnt ends. Finished with a Wolf of the Willows Hazy Pale Ale glaze, the dish takes an Americana favourite and brings it back home.
A similar ethos extends to the drinks. There are just two beers on tap – CBCo's Goldy Lager and Wolf of the Willows PUP Hazy Pale – rounded out by a broader range of tins and bottles. You’ll also find Australian and international wines, plus fuss-free classic cocktails. And if you time your visit right, happy hour runs Wednesday to Friday from 4 to 6pm. There’s also a Sunday supper club featuring a main, side and house wine for $30.
Nixie Nox is open at 141 Swan Street, Richmond, every Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm until late, and Friday to Sunday from 2pm until late. Find out more at the website.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.