Rochester Castle Hotel

Rochester Castle Hotel, known locally as the Rochey, is a Johnston Street pub with a large, leafy rear beer garden that regularly gets rated among Melbourne's best, and dogs are a familiar sight there.

Dog setup. Dogs are welcome in the street-art-covered rear beer garden, and also at the street-side tables out front under the umbrellas. The rear garden is the safest bet for a relaxed sit, keep dogs on a lead and under control throughout.

Good to know. Modern Australian pub food with Asian-inspired mains, craft beers and cocktails, fireplaces in winter, and regular deals such as Monday oysters. Live music draws a livelier crowd on weekends.

Getting there. Take the 11 tram to stop 16 on Brunswick Street, then a short walk. Street parking is available on surrounding streets, George Street and Napier Street are worth checking when Johnston Street is full.

Nearby with the dogs. Edinburgh Gardens is five to seven minutes away on foot, a solid off-leash run before or after the pub. Johnston Street and nearby Smith Street are good for a wander past dog-friendly cafes.

Go on a weekday evening or early on a Sunday if you want a table in the beer garden without the wait, Sunday sessions with live music get busy fast.

Sources

• Rochester Hotel | Best Beer Gardens - Hidden City Secrets · hiddencitysecrets.com.au
• The Rochey - Fitzroy, AU-VIC - OpenTable · opentable.com.au
• The best beer gardens in Melbourne - Time Out · timeout.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.