Railway Hotel

Railway Hotel (South Melbourne)

The toilets aren't the only good thing about this proudly pokies-free pub.

At the end of an entirely satisfactory meal at the Railway, my husband and the publican propped themselves at the bar to talk urinals. Apparently the men's loo has had a refurb and all is good in the pong and ankle-splash department. Relief all round, if you know what I mean. The toilets aren't the only good thing about this proudly pokies-free pub. There's a vintage front bar with plenty of room to settle in for a chinwag and a pot. There's a games room with pool table and old-school video games (though the Galaga sucked up my $2 coin without letting me shoot any space ships). The back bar is decorated with kitsch treasures, including Elvis and Humphrey Bear paraphernalia. There are two indoor dining rooms: a wallpapered front room with a fireplace and a less formal conservatory-style area at the rear. If you suddenly find yourself in a game of footsies, it's probably Puss, the pub cat. Best of all is the ripper beer garden, dominated by a large shady tree. Open-sided thatche...