Most people know of Little Creatures through their beer, so it’s great to see this WA-based boutique brewery branch out into a natural partnership of Little Creatures beer served with good pub grub in Melbourne.
The Little Creatures Dining Hall is no run-of-the-mill boozer though. It’s a lofty warehouse converted into a friendly diner, with low booths and easygoing wooden tables and chairs. On the Sunday of our visit it was filled with families and I can see why – the atmosphere is relaxed and hums with enough noise so there’s no need for kids to be hushed, there’s space for running antics, plenty of interesting paraphernalia to poke through and the aisles are wide enough to fit prams.
That’s not to say that it’s just an upscale version of McDonalds though. Firstly, of course, there’s a strong focus on beer and you can do a tasting of all their beers by buying 125ml ‘ponies’ of each.
Secondly, the menu, while not being particularly challenging, does go beyond burgers and fish and chips. I tried the pizza with chorizo, feta and unusual pops of sweetcorn ($19), RM had the melting lamb shanks and we share a large bowl of chips ($8) which I was pleased to see still had their skins on.
Thirdly, and this is my favourite, they hire out classic Swedish Kronan bikes for free to anyone who wants them. You don’t have to eat or drink at Little Creatures – just leave an imprint of your credit card and return the bike by sundown/around 6pm (if you don’t return it, you’ll be charged $1000 a bike – you’ve been warned). The bikes come with locks, helmets and back racks. What a great neighbourhood scheme!
- Little Creatures Dining Hall, 222 Brunswick St, Fitzroy +61 3 9417 5500
Sweet, you can use those bikes?!?! I’ve seen them around town but didn’t realise they were available for hire. The beer is ace, and the food is a great accompaniment though I find their handling of groups a little manic and controlling.
.-= Gem´s last blog ..sometimes I hate the ‘burbs…with good reason =-.
Twitter: eatdrinkstagger
| June 4, 2010, 10:04 am
Hi Gem
We were only a table of 2 so I can’t comment on their handling of groups, although I did find the service a bit hectic. Maybe there aren’t enough waitstaff as they seemed a bit harrassed.
Yes, go and try out the bikes!
Jetsetting Joyce
When in season you can’t beat the mussels with chips and a pilsner! Good meal for two perfect Sunday lunch
Hi Ben
Yes, mussels, chips and beer are the perfect combination, winter or summer – the Belgians show us how it’s done.
Jetsetting Joyce
Cool, hip atmosphere enticed us inside; great beer and vibrant crowd with reasonable service; however, we found the food greatly overinflated in price and exceptionally poor value compared to what else is around. We’ll be back for the beer, but not the food – only 1 out of 3 dishes ordered was actually good enough. Not sure they will survive really
Hi Sam
Sorry to hear that you didn’t like the food at Little Creatures. While it’s probably not their main drawcard, I thought the food was pretty good and reasonably priced for a gastropub. Where would you recommend nearby instead?
Jetsetting Joyce
Looks good and I like the biking idea too. They thought that one out. You advertise for them free while you bike around the area.
The bikes are a great idea, looks like they are really going for a “community” feel to the place. The atmosphere looks great – I love those big airy converted warehouses. I also like the idea of being able to sample their wide range of beers – could be dangerous though if you like them all lol
The chorizo, feta, and sweetcorn pizza looks great. I bet it pairs particularly well with their Pale Ale. Mmmmmm….
I have been hungry for pizza lately. I have never had pizza with sweet corn, so will keep that in mind.
I am sure they have plenty of Ale choices one could have with that.
Looks delicious. You can have a nice meal, and as long as you don’t drink too much ale, you can then go for a bike ride and work off some of those calories.
The place looks nice. It’s good to know that delicious food, affordable apparels, and exciting activities are available in just one place. I’m going to visit Little Creatures soon.
Hi Ben
This looks like an amazing place to visit and you can take your kids. I live in Canada and it’s illegal to take kids into a place that sells liquor! When next I visit I will look Little Creatures up.