The Retreat has a menu which is both bigger and better than the anticipated pub fare. There is something for everyone: great slabs of steak with beautiful fresh salad and chips, a fisherman's platter big enough to share, parma - both chicken and the herbivore friendly eggplant varieties, and even a gorgeous vegan spaghetti. The 'bar snacks' are great too, Asian platters, nachos, the best Thai style fishcakes outside of Richmond and tasty, tasty dips. Dinner is available from 6pm Mon-Thurs and 5pm Fri-Sun. Lunch is available from noon, Fri-Sun.

The tap beers need mentioning here - As well as the expected draught and light, the Retreat boasts Matilda Bay Brewery's exceptional Bohemian Pilsener and the inimitable Cascade Pale Ale, my personal favourite brew for summer. A surprisingly good range of wines - by the bottle and by the glass - rounds out the bar menu nicely. The main bar runs through the front saloon and the rear dining area (cmplete with a couple of choice video games and yes, an ATM). A second, small bar recently opened in the beer garden, opening when the evening crowd gets bigger.

And while we're on the subject of beer gardens, this is the best one in Brunswick, hands down. For a start, it's huge. A number of large communal tables runs down one side, and the recently installed astroturf is neither cheesy nor water wasting. It's also really comfy to sit on. Two 'rooms' in the back can be booked for functions and parties, making for a much cooler office Christmas party than some stuffy, overpriced set menu at some cheesy club. In the winter, most of the beer garden is warmed by large gas heaters. Most Friday and Saturday nights staff man the BBQ, selling hot dogs to the tipsy.

The staff are friendly, chilled out and knowledgeable, and help to create the overall great atmosphere. There is also live music most Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons.

Approximate cost: $15-$20