When the weather outside is frightful, the fire is so delightful…
We couldn’t agree more with you Mr Sinatra. So, to celebrate the good ol’ open fireplace, we’ve pulled together a list of the cosiest bars, pubs and cafes with roaring fireplaces in Ballarat.
These venues will have you defrosting those fingers in no time so you can make good use of them (a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon anyone?!).
Mitchell Harris
You only have to take a look at the reviews to know that Mitchell Harris not only serves up good wine but it’s, by far, a favourite when it comes to escaping the wintry blast outside.
One happy visitor described the Doveton Street bar online as “dark and moody, perfect for a winter night”.
Just think – vino in one hand, warm Turkish bread and house-made dip in the other and the crackling sound of a cosy fireplace right in front of you. Bliss!
RJM's Wine Bar
There’s nothing quite like listening to live music and indulging on a ploughman’s board with friends.
One thing that always makes the experience better is an open fireplace to warm up by and that’s exactly what you’ll find at RJM's Wine Bar.
It's just as cosy outside in the alfresco area, which is adorned with fairy lights, hanging vines and a log fire.
Michael Unwin Wines
Another cosy spot you can warm up by a fire as you sip on a glass of red is Windermere's Michael Unwin Wines.
Take in the aroma of maturing wines at the cellar door while you soak up the views of the surrounding vineyards.
And on the way out, don’t forget to grab a few extra bottles of wine to take home.
Captains Creek Organic Wines
Just a short drive north of Ballarat, you’ll discover organic winery Captains Creek.
Four generations of the same family have run this organic Blampied farm, which ventured into wine grapes in the early 1990s.
Today, you can sip on their popular Pinot Noir by a century-old fireplace in the renovated workers’ hut.
Better yet, why not stay for lunch, where you’ll discover a menu of farm food with an elegant twist, including entrees loaded with pickled vegetables and farm-raised lamb.
Wayward Winery
Wayward Winery is nestled in Waubra on the edge of the Pyrenees Ranges, about a 25-minute drive from Ballarat.
The modern cellar door and restaurant feature a wood-fired heater and the menu focuses on seasonal delights cooked over coals.
With sweeping views of the vineyards and rolling hills beyond, Wayward is a great spot to cosy up with a glass of red on a Sunday afternoon.
Renard
Sit down by the fire at cocktail bar and social club Renard and nibble on pepper leaf flat bread with hummus, burnt butter and espelette with your favourite cocktail in hand.
Someone has snapped up the seat by the fire? No need to stress, there is a second fire!
Hop Temple
If beer is more your thing, then how does cold ales and brew food on a comfy couch by the fire sound?
Yes, we like the sound of it too.
Well, you’ll find just that in the very trendy lounge at Hop Temple, which has been fitted out with vintage couches and chairs made for lounging in.
While you’re there, we highly recommend pairing your beer with Hop’s mouth-watering selection of dude food, like the Hop Sidewinders, popcorn chicken and mini smoked brisket tacos.
Aunty Jacks
Name a better pairing than beers and burger...
It’s tricky but throw in a woodfire and you’ve hit the jackpot!
Ballarat brewpub Aunty Jacks is an eclectic mix of 1950s meets steampunk.
There are plenty of comfy corners and big armchairs to choose from, plus an extensive menu filled with signature dishes inspired by the classics.
The Mallow
There’s no better time of year than winter to visit your favourite pub, so let us send you to one of Ballarat’s most-loved watering holes – The Mallow.
Woodfire cooking is showcased throughout the menu, along with Ballarat’s largest, continuously rotating, range of independent beers on tap.
In winter, there are open fires to keep you warm and you can now enjoy the outdoors year-round in the courtyard.
Hideaway Coffee Bar
Warm up by the fire while you indulge in cakes, toasties and pastries at Hideaway Coffee Bar – one of Ballarat's favourite neighbourhood cafes.
Pair it with a latte and a delicious pastry and you're set!
Carboni's Italian Kitchen
The fire will be roaring by the time you take a seat at authentic Italian restaurant Carboni's.
Whether you order a woodfired pizza or fresh ravioli and a bubbly prosecco, a visit here will give you serious 'Italy in winter' vibes.
Hydrant Food Hall
Wander down the cobblestone laneway of McKenzie Street and you’ll be fooled into thinking you’re walking into an industrial warehouse precinct, but it’s all a façade (literally!).
Once you step inside the doors of Hydrant Food Hall, you’ll find a beautifully-restored building from the early 1950s with a cosy wood fire taking centre stage and a seasonal menu that's just as impressive.
Johnny Alloo
The owner of corner café Johnny Alloo has exposed the beautiful solid brickwork surrounding the historic building’s original wood fireplace in a transformation that has elevated the city’s café scene up yet another notch.
Once you step inside, you know you’re in for a warming experience that goes well beyond good food.
Every winter, this becomes a very popular spot for locals looking to escape from the wintry chills outside.
