For an old pub, the Bridgeview scrubs up nicely. A bit of an upgrade over the summer of 2012-2013 has resulted in a public bar restored to its former glory, an amiable dining room and a rooftop, because everyone loves booze with a view. There’s even an all-weather TV mounted up on the Astro-Turfed terrace so you can kick back on the picnic tables and barrack for your team under the open sky. Out the back the dining room is a family-friendly space with $10 kids’ meals and coloured pencils to keep the little ones entertained. The menu treads well-worn territory with steak, fish and chips and burgers, but they try and spice it up a little with a chicken, bacon, egg, orzo and fennel salad and a pistachio felafel burger with red cabbage slaw and eggplant. For the punter with simple tastes you can even order mashed potato and pepper sauce for $7. Up in the front bar they’ve stay true to the traditional pub aesthetic with yellow and green mottled tiles, wood-panelled walls and a no-funny-business bar with a gentle nod to craft with Young Henrys on tap. Skip the wine list and slake your thirst with cold schooners of Coopers, VB, Reschs and Carlton instead. They have one comfy pod of leather sofas but you risk a pool cue to the head if you colonise them so for safety’s sake opt for the tall tables lining the walls. And get in early, especially if your visit coincides with their $15 parmy night (you’ve got five to choose from) on Tuesdays or ribs and bibs on Wednesdays.
