Killik Handcrafted Rum

Killik Handcrafted Rum is a boutique rum distillery and bar on Monbulk Road, Belgrave, right at the edge of Sherbrooke Forest, and dogs are welcome on the front verandah while you work through a rum flight.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome on the front verandah and terrace seating, not inside the dining rooms. The verandah is relaxed, with misting sprays running on hot days, so there is shade for a dog lying under the table. Staff are accommodating, but do not count on house water bowls: bring your own. Keep your dog leashed and settled, as this is a working bar with close-set outdoor tables. It suits dogs that are comfortable around other diners rather than restless ones.

Worth knowing

The distillery makes small-batch, Jamaican-style rum on site, and the bar pours flights, seasonal rum and gin cocktails, local beer and coffee. The kitchen runs a seasonal menu with house-made pasta and share plates: think roast pumpkin and wattleseed labneh, wood-fired broccolini, bucatini all'amatriciana and fries with black truffle aioli, plus a weekend bottomless brunch. Doors open from 5pm Wednesday to Friday, midday Saturday and 12:30pm Sunday, with Monday and Tuesday closed. Weekends fill the verandah fast in fine weather, so book early or come on a weekday.

Getting there and parking

Killik sits on Monbulk Road between Belgrave and Monbulk. On-site parking is limited and roadside spots fill on weekends, so arriving early helps. It is also a short walk from Belgrave railway station if you would rather take the train.

Close by with the dogs

The Sherbrooke Forest walking tracks start nearby, with the Sherbrooke Falls route an easy leashed walk to pair with a visit. For an off-lead run, the Belgrave Lake Park Dog Off Leash Area has a designated exercise zone down by Monbulk Creek. Further into the ranges, the Glenfern Valley Bushlands loop in Upwey is a solid bushwalk option.

More options are on the Victoria dog friendly restaurants guide and the Belgrave destination page.