A tad earlier than usual as it’s always such a social whirl at this time of year so swing by on your way to wherever or stay for a while. It’s our last one for this year and of course we’ll be back in 2009.

Continuing with our ‘out of the CBD’ trend we are off to Southpaw. With a crisp and unpretentious fit out that happily incorporates a previously boarded up hundred-odd-year-old decorative window facing the neighbour’s wall, Southpaw is somewhere that you can sit comfortably and enjoy the past and the present without feeling like a bourgie squatter.

They’ve also got a fine selection of local microbrewery beers, a solid wine list, DJs Friday and Saturday and friendly staff.

Southpaw
189 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
Tel. 9417 7057

This month’s southerly shift of FC – to Albert Park – owes itself to the migration of one of FC’s founders to a green-collar company, also located in this leafy bayside suburb. Fear not about transport connections: The Albert Park Hotel is easily accessible by the No. 1 East Coburg – South Melbourne tram, or the No. 96 East Brunswick – St Kilda Beach light rail. Fear not about getting bounced at the door: There’s outside seating where – weather permitting – we plan to stake our claim. And don’t worry about it being all about ‘savvy-b’: this Art Deco pile puts nine beers on tap with more by the bottle, as well as wines by the glass. And if you like architects Six Degrees’ work (Public House, 3 Below City Square, Wall 280 Cafe, Pelican, Meyers Place Bar…) you’ll be pleased to hear you’re in for some more of their fine lines. Join us for our first foray to postcode 3206, at the Albert Park Hotel.

Friday 14 November
5.30pm+
Albert Park Hotel
Cnr Montague and Dundas Place
Albert Park Vic 3206
www.thealbertpark.com.au