It’s a bright midweek afternoon in Melbourne’s CBD, and Springrock Public Bar is humming with that unmistakable pub energy — laughter bouncing off timber walls, the soft clink of glasses, the low buzz of conversation that makes you feel instantly part of furniture. Sunlight filters through the windows, casting a golden glow across the space. It’s warm, familiar, and welcoming — the kind of place where city workers drop in after hours, friends catch up over a parma, and the bar hums with easy camaraderie. There’s even a meat raffle to truly make you feel like you’re at your local.
The fit-out is classic without being dated: polished wood, deep booths, a long bar stocked with local spirits and beer taps, and a subtle modern polish that keeps it feeling fresh. Springrock knows exactly what it wants to be — a good pub, done well.
Having a beer at the pub is one thing, but the food is where it all comes together. We worked our way through Springrock’s menu from front to back, starting with;
Pub Snacks
Starting with the Lamb Nuggets which were an instant hit — crisp golden on the outside, tender and rich within, the slow-braised shoulder melting into a burst of flavour. The jalapeño mint jelly gave just enough sweetness and kick to balance the savoury lamb, a clever twist on a pub classic.
The Smoky Garlic Bread followed – this is a must and should not be overlooked – served hot and fragrant, with a satisfying crunch on the crust and a buttery, smoky depth that went beyond the standard garlic loaf. It’s simple, but it’s done with care — the kind of snack that disappears faster than you expect. Add to that, it moves away from the traditional cut up ‘bread loaf’, you’ll be fighting for the centre piece!
Counter Meals
When it comes to the mains, Springrock stays true to pub tradition — generous portions, no fuss, and flavour that hits the mark. The Chicken Parma was everything you want from a Melbourne pub parma: a golden, crispy schnitzel topped with ham, red sauce, and molten cheese, served with perfectly salted fries – but in our opinion could have used a few more fries for the size of the parma. It’s a dish that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, just makes sure it rolls perfectly.
The Cheeseburger was equally satisfying — a juicy brisket patty cooked medium, layered with melted American cheese, pickles, and thick-cut bacon. When presented you can see the thick cut onion – don’t be put off by this. It had that ideal smash of texture and flavour — smoky, salty, rich, and slightly messy in the best way possible. With fries on the side, dusted with Fancy Hank’s chicken salt, they were crisp addictive, nothing more needs to be said.
Dessert
If you’ve still got room, the desserts at Springrock offer a sweet, nostalgic finish. The Coffee Bourbon Sundae was a standout — cool vanilla ice cream draped in bourbon and coffee syrup, sprinkled with hazelnuts, and topped with whipped cream. Simple but a little bit grown-up, a little bit playful, and the sort of dessert that rounds off a meal perfectly. Its counter part, the Chocolate Mousse delivered on texture and flavour – balanced by the bright tang of preserved raspberry. It’s was simple, elegant, and quietly indulgent.
Drinks
Springrock’s drinks list leans into quality without pretension. The Plum Sour — made with McHenry Tasmanian damson plum gin, lemon, aquafaba, and basil — was refreshing and aromatic, the kind of cocktail that feels like summer in a glass. The Dark N Stormy, built on Havana Especial dark rum, lime, and Strangelove double ginger, brought just the right amount of spice and zing. Both cocktails were beautifully presented, and perfectly suited to the easy-going mood of the venue but for us the Plum Sour was a standout and should definitely be added to your must try list.
Springrock Public Bar isn’t trying to be anything other than what it is — a great pub in the heart of the city serving quality food, smart drinks, and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger. It’s the kind of place you can pop into for a quick lunch, settle in for an after-work drink, or make a night of it over shared plates and easy conversation.
When you’re in Melbourne’s CBD and craving good food, good drinks, and that unmistakable pub charm, Springrock Public Bar is exactly where you want to be.\
