admin October 31, 2024
The Rochey in Fitzroy is back! The pub sits at the heart of Fitzroy on Johnston Street and, over the decades, has been a popular haunt amongst locals and known for being part of the area’s vibrant creative scene. In the 70s, 80s & 90s it was buzzing with live music, after a few twists and turns, the pub needed to find itself. Now, The Rochey is back, with a new operator, new team, new chef and menu, pool comp, amazing music program, a scrub and some paint.
The Front Bar is a welcoming space with high ceilings and sun pouring through large windows. There’s high tables as well as banquette and standard tables surrounding the classic U-shaped bar. A pool table is to left left alongside window seating and a fireplace, while on the other side there’s another cosy fire place. The Bowie Bar is a semi-secluded cocktail bar followed by the Dining Area. The sizeable Beer Garden at the back provides a laid back atmosphere and a second pool table. Out front, there’s a European street side feel with plenty of tables and umbrellas to enjoy the fresh air and watch the world go by.
It’s a pub that has been taken back to its roots and is ready to welcome locals and those from all over Melbourne.
The Rochey In Fitzroy Is Back
The Rochey boasts one of the best Happy Hours in the city, available daily from 4pm to 7pm. Guests enjoy $8 house wines and pints, and indulge in $14 cocktails, including Espresso Martinis, Long Island Iced Teas, and Margaritas. Plus, there’s the ‘Mates 8.80’ sharing menu, where all Snacks/Sharing dishes are $8.80 – designed with budget and enjoying with mates in mind.
Weekly specials add to the wallet-friendly eats with Burger Wednesdays ($15) – which coincides with Trivia Night, Steak Thursdays ($22), Saturday Lunch Special ($20) and Sunday Roast ($25).
The Rochey’s New Menu
Along with the pubs’ refresh and new team, The Rochey is dishing up a delicious new menu that is sure to satisfy every taste bud and occasion.
Executive Chef Bonngyo Seo has created a menu that is full of uplifted pub classics, alongside a mouthwatering selection of seasonal specials. It is all about taking it back to basics and using the freshest, and best, ingredients to ensure the ultimate flavours.
The Snacks and Sharing options are almost impossible to choose from with dishes including Crispy Fried Squid (with lemon aioli, capers & chimichurri), Crispy Cauliflower (with chilli sauce & pistachio), Mac & Cheese Croquettes (with mornay sauce & chilli mayo) and Beef Scotch Egg (crumbed with wasabi mayo & salad), House Made Foccacia (with green olive tapenade, housemade dukkah & garlic oil) and Chicken Wings (with soy sauce & shallot pickle).
Must-try mains include the Barramundi (with beurre blanc, potato puree, leek & lemon coulis) for $33 and, at $32, the Aged & Tenderised Pork Cutlet and the Lamb Shank with Guinness jus are amazing. Cooked to perfection is the 250g Porterhouse Steak (served with broccolini, pepper sauce, mustard gremolata, duxelle and fries) at $35.
The traditional pub diner will love the the House-made Chicken Parma (free range chicken, buttermilk brine, bacon, tomato, melted cheese, fries, green leaf salad and salsa verde), $30 and the American style Rochey Burger (lettuce, tomato, jalapeno jam, cheese & fries), $25 will satisfy. All with a great range of Casa Iberico hot sauces.
Vegetarians are catered for with main options including Eggplant Parma, Mushroom Fettucine and the seasonal special Miso-Glazed Tofu Steak & Veg.
Upstairs @ The Rochey – A New, Exceptional Music Series
Everyone can get excited that The Rochey will once again be known for great music and late nights!
There’s a thrilling new music series ‘Upstairs @ The Rochey’, presented by Castle Events, launching on 2nd November! Some of the best electronic musicians in the country, who regularly play to thousands at festivals, will be entertaining in the intimate 150 person venue.
Upstairs @ The Rochey will provide guests an exclusive opportunity to see these high calibre artists in a unique setting, with the musicians rarely playing in such a limited capacity room and such a small crowd. The new Rochey team really is delivering on its word that the pub will showcase the very best in music.
Upstairs @ The Rochey – November/December Series, 11pm – 3am:
- Saturday 2nd Nov – dameeeela
- Saturday 9th Nov – 1nnerself w/ Energy 11
- Friday 15th Nov – Amraks
- Saturday 23rd Nov – Hybrid Man (won Best Electronic Work award at the Music Victoria Awards this month)
- Saturday 30th Nov – R&R
- Fridat 13th Dec – Willem
- Saturday 14th Dec – Juno Mamba w/ PARIS
- Fridat 20th Dec – DJ PGZ (won Best DJ award at the Music Victoria Awards this month)
- Saturday 28th Dec – Eluize
It’s a destination to enjoy drinks and good times with friends, the main room will host the artist, while the side room offers a place to relax while taking in the vibes, and the small outdoor area gives New York rooftop feels.
Entry via the VIP entrance on George Street, with door fee just $20.
While many elements of The Rochey have been refreshed, there are more plans in place to continue to improve the spaces, including the rooms in Rochey Upstairs to create even more spots to enjoy drinks and music vibes.
Whether guests are visiting for a pint in the beer garden, to experience some of the best food Fitzroy has to offer, enjoy live music or shoot a game of pool, The Rochey is all about keeping it unpretentious, delicious, and just a bit above the usual pub experience.
