Preston’s wine bars scene is multicultural, working-class charm, evolving — and the wine bars 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 $11-13, cocktail $17-23. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Mia’s — 60 Murray Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $18-25/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Mia’s 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($18-25/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Little Standard — 33 Murray Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Little Standard doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The front bar is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Bright Room — 240 Murray Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $18-25/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The cocktail list references classic recipes with local twists. The space is tighter than Mia’s — 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 non-alcoholic cocktail list is genuinely creative, not an afterthought. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Whatever the bartender recommends ($18-25/glass). Pro tip: Tuesday is the quietest night and the bartender has more time to chat.
4. The Sunny Quarter — 105 Murray Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $18-25/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the share plates are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
The drinks list complements the food — local pale ales and lagers that pair with the menu. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Sunday afternoon — relaxed, the kitchen is unhurried, and there’s live music.
5. The White Larder — 271 Bell Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $18-25/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the garden setting 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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to empanadas and dip plates but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mia’s | Overall best | $18-25/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Little Standard | Quiet drink | $18-25/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Bright Room | New & trendy | $18-25/glass | Snacks only | No |
| The Sunny Quarter | Food + drinks | $18-25/glass | Full menu | Yes |
| The White Larder | Atmosphere | $18-25/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Mia’s does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Preston/Bell stations, tram 86. 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. The White Larder 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
- Thornbury Wine Bars
- Preston Restaurants — eat before or after
- Preston Things to Do
- All Preston Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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