Best Pubs in Laverton — 2026 Guide

Laverton’s pubs scene is working-class, authentic, community-focused — and the pubs reflect it. Whether you want a quiet midweek drink or a full Friday night, there are options that don’t require leaving the suburb.

Standard prices: pint $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.

Our Top Picks

1. The New Room — 87 North Lane

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Moody, dim-lit, excellent playlist Drinks: $10-12

The pub the suburb rallies around. The New Room gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The wine list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.

Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($10-12). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.

2. Honest Bench — 58 Cecil Place

Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Wine-focused, small plates

The quiet achiever. Honest Bench doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The wine list is the draw. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.

Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).

3. River — 239 Cecil Place

Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $10-12

Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The tap list leans towards Victorian craft breweries. The space is tighter than The New Room — maybe 50 people before it feels packed — but that’s part of the appeal.

What makes it work is the attention to detail. The glassware is considered, the ice is proper, and the bartenders actually taste what they make before serving. The tap list rotates every two weeks with a Victorian-only policy. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.

Drink this: The house old fashioned ($10-12). Pro tip: Ask for the off-menu cocktail — they’ll make something custom.

4. Bellbird — 356 Margaret Drive

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $10-12

The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.

The drinks list complements the food — an approachable wine list that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.

Best combo: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.

5. Half Table — 112 North Lane

Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Candlelit basement, moody and intimate Drinks: $10-12

The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the rooftop view creates an atmosphere the others can’t match. It’s the place to bring someone you’re trying to impress, or to photograph, or both.

The drinks list is designed around the aesthetic — photogenic serves that actually taste good. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only but you’re not here for the food.

Best for: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.

Comparison

Practical Info

Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The New Room does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.

Getting there: Public transport options in Laverton. Don’t drive on Friday/Saturday nights — parking is scarce after 6pm.

Dress code: None of these are bottle-service-and-bouncers. Clean casual everywhere. Half Table skews slightly smarter but won’t turn away anyone in jeans.

Age check: All venues are 18+. Bring ID if you look under 25 — they will ask.

Nearby

• Altona Pubs
• Laverton Restaurants — eat before or after
• Laverton Things to Do
• All Laverton Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Bars in Laverton
• Nightlife Guide in Laverton

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Nightlife Guide
• Melbourne Rent Comparison Tool
• Explore Laverton