Okay – so this is it. Here is just one of my favourite local hangouts. Want a great beer and burger in a cheap and cheerful pub? Preachers delivers a different kind of sermon.
What’s the magic that makes one place soar while another wilts in the shadows? Because there are as many different types of venues as fish in the sea (well, almost) I find it difficult to pin down that magic. But for you, I’ll try.
First, the place is unpretentious. And defiantly unpretentious. Begin with the courtyard that is astroturfed and slides at angles down to a big old bus. The bus provides shelter when it’s wet, and on Tuesdays, grab a seat and play bus bingo. The prizes? Beer! Win/win.
Hardy wooden furniture plus some old lounges make up the seating, backed by clever graffiti on a wall, with sombrero’d heat lamps dotted about for warmth in winter. It’s rough. But the locals (and I’m included) love it.
Lounging at Preachers
Inside, what began life as a sailmaker’s cottage in 1849 has survived as many face lifts as Joan Collins. This includes being the original Mures Seafood Restaurant, and home to Silvana Taurian who now runs Truckle and Co. Today, some cheeky blackboard messages break up the rooms with fireplace, Chesterfields, and some more small dining tables.
And the heart of the whole business? The bar! Small, but with service that’s swift, friendly and knowledgeable, Preachers boasts always a fine selection of fresh local brews, cider and reasonably priced wine.
Preachers Bar
They provide some great party games to entertain the dogged drinkers among us, and the burgers and chips at around $20 are always fresh and tasty. Preachers doesn’t shout its presence or pretend to grandeur. It simply is.
On a balmy summer’s day, there’s not many places I’d rather be, than trying a new brew (usually about $10 a pint) and socking away some tasty filling food. With good chips.
It can get quite convivial at times, so be prepared, when it’s busy, to make some new friends, and discuss perhaps the latest Antarctic exploration with the scientists. They know about Preachers, so perhaps you should too. It’s that kind of place.
Preachers Burger
Preachers, 5 Knopwood Street, Salamanca. Up Montpelier Street and turn hard left – you’ll see it.
Is Preachers a fave hangout with you too? I think sometimes the quiet, don’t give a f**k vibe of the place is good for the soul.
Chrissie
Ooh Look…
Haha so true, Ivan! It’s my local, and is dangerously close to home! 🙂
When I used to work for a major beer company, this is where we took the real beer lovers from Head Office – an institution, Preachers is the real deal for unpretentious, true hospitality delivered by professionals that delight in you joining them for a drink.
Thank you Des. Means a lot! Keeping me busy!
Love this blog. Look forward to reading every entry.