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The sibling to Kirk’s Wine Bar channels old-school pub energy in a way that’s fun, loose and a little nostalgic. Drawing on both Australian and British traditions, it offers a playful take on pub fare that feels fresh yet familiar – ideal for hearty weeknight dinners, happy hours and everything in between.
The vibe
Co-owners Con Christopoulos and Josh Brisbane’s signature style shines through here. Le Pub captures the timeless charm of their other venues like City Wine Shop and Butchers Diner, with green steel tables, a spiral staircase and terrazzo floors. Service is relaxed – order at the counter from a handwritten paper menu featuring around 18 dishes. Water is self-serve, napkins are paper, and nothing costs more than $30, but the execution rivals the duos’ more formal restaurants.
The food
Expect pub classics that nod to Britain in a way that feels more Middle Ages than modern London – and I mean that in the best way possible. The menu leans into lesser-seen proteins (at least in a British context) that are slowly making a comeback today.
A hearty pulled oxtail pie, studded with snails and stabbed with a marrow-filled bone, could use a pinch more salt but still delivers comfort and value – especially with a generous side of endive salad.
The calf’s liver is a love-it-or-hate-it situation (personally, I’m in the first camp) – grilled as a fillet and served with creamy mash, diced bacon, a rich sherry sauce and sauteed cabbage. It’s a robust, iron-packed plate with old-school spirit and contemporary finesse.
Less divisive is the breakfast-style sandwich – a meatball-like slab of cotechino (pork sausage), Comté and a runny-yolk fried egg layered on a sturdy English muffin slathered in housemade tomato sauce. It’s a bit of a mess to eat, but that’s part of the fun.
Vegetarians aren’t forgotten either. When I visited, the standout was asparagus and beautifully cured beetroot – thinly sliced and free of any earthy bitterness – served on a bed of pistachio that’s confited and pureed into a rich paste. I could have licked the plate clean. Desserts also draw on British comfort classics like bread and butter pudding or oatcakes with quince and cheese.
The drinks
A full wall of wines by the bottle backs a smaller but thoughtful selection by the glass, with staff ready to guide you through. There are also about eight rotating beers on tap, mostly local with a few European imports rounding out the list.
Time Out tip:
Le Pub doesn’t take bookings, so plan ahead. The venue is split into two sections: on the left (facing the entrance), you’ll find a casual bar area ideal for drinks and snacks; on the right, a brighter dining space suited to longer, sit-down meals.
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