Platform 3095

In the bustling suburb of Eltham, Melbourne, Platform 3095 makes a striking first impression. Housed within the old Eltham train station, carriage and all, it is part gastropub, part live music haunt, and wholly devoted to good times. Big, comfy booths line the room, inviting lingering catch-ups and easygoing evenings where the clink of glasses meets the thrum of guitars.

The menu leans into comforting favourites with a confident hand. There is garlic pizza on soft laffa, creole-spiced fried chicken ribs with a lick of sriracha aioli, and the ever-popular Farmers Parma, its crisp schnitzel layered with Napoli sauce, bacon and molten mozzarella. For something rich yet bright, creamy prawn spaghetti coils through garlic, salsa verde and parmesan, a nod to coastal cravings without leaving the suburbs.

It is the kind of place where a couple becomes a session, where families slide into booths and the kids tuck into schnitzel and chips or fish and chips without fuss. The heritage bones bring a nostalgic charm, while the live music keeps the tempo up and the mood cheerful.

Make Platform 3095 your next stop for great beer, lively tunes and food worth coming back for. Pull in for one, settle in for two, and let the night roll on — all aboard.