Clifton Hill Brewpub, 89 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill

Join us as we visit the Clifton Hill Brewpub, which is situated in the historic hotel that has been serving thirsty locals for well over 100 years.

The Brewpub has an extensive number of meal items including share plates and beer food through to steaks including a 400gm Rib Eye. Other options include sea food option such as Lobster Ravioli, salmon, pastas, pork belly and usual pub fare.

The old pub has been given an impressive refurbishment with the addition of a shiny new microbrewery, brewing their very own range of craft beers.

Enjoy matching your beer with one of the many delicious meals served in their restaurant.

They are avid craft beer fans at Clifton Hill and with 16 on tap and another hundred or so of the bottled variety you’re guaranteed to find one you’ll love. Food and drinks at own expense.

Meet Alan at the Funff tables.

Wed, 20 March

7.00pm - 9.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

The Metropolitan Hotel, 263 William Street, Melbourne CBD

Join us for another Friday night drinks adventure in the city at a contemporary pub that offers craft beer, pub food, pizzas and a modern Australian menu.

The hotel has a 160 year history and has recent renovations and has a sleek interior and great vibe on a Friday night where they have $6 spirits and $8 pints from 5pm - 7pm and $10 pizzas from 5pm.

Meet Wayne at the reserved tables.

Fri, 22 March

6.00pm - 9.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 21 March

Papa Ginos, 221 Lygon Street, Carlton

Join us for a Saturday night in Lygon Street, the home of Italian culture in Melbourne (Little Italy) that buzzes day and night.

We will be starting at Papa Gino’s located right in the middle of Lygon Street at the heart of Italian restaurants. Papa Gino’s has great authentic Italian food.

It is a busy place with a very high ranking on Urbanspoon and a great mix of home-made pasta, pizzas as well as steaks, salads pizza, the parmas and other Italian favourites.

After dinner, see some of the sights of Lygon Street that could include depending on the group on the night : Brunetti (coffee/cakes); Casa del Gelato (ice cream/gelatos); Koko Black (for all your chocolate delights) or a drink at one of the many venues in Lygon Street.

Discount car parking is available using your membership rewards card at the Elgin Street Car Park (215 Elgin Street) which is a 50% discount on Saturday otherwise another option is Lygon Street Car park, 204-208 Lygon Street. There is also The is the old clock tower and the parking across from the old Windows hospital, one street back from Lygon (closer to Melbourne Uni).

Meet Albert at the venue.

Sat, 23 March

7.00pm - 10.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Fri, 22 March

Coffee Stand outside the Arts Centre to Wilsons Prom

We are running a dedicated two day weekend members tour of Wilsons Promontory National Park over 23th and 24th of March

It is the most popular National Park in Victoria with stunning white sand beaches, amazing short coastal and forest walks and amazing scenery at every turn. The two day tour for just $229 per person and includes return transport from Melbourne, breakfast, dinner and all camping equipment.

Day 1 –

- Depart Melbourne CBD around 8.30am and leave for Wilsons Promontory National Park. It’s a 3 hour drive to Wilsons Promontory National Park.

- Once at the park we’ll walk 2.5km to the awesome Big Drift sand dunes which are at the northern end of the National Park near the gate entrance.

- Afterwards drive 25 minutes to Tidal River where we’ll have lunch and setup camp. Once camp is setup we’ll head off on a 2.5km walk to the famous Squeaky Beach where guests can relax, play frisbee or go for a walk along the squeaky white sands.

Afterwards we will walk to Pillar Point lookout which provides incredible views over both Squeaky Beach and Norman Bay. Guests will enjoy one of the best photo opportunities at the Prom whilst standing on giant granite boulders. If it looks like it’s going to be a stunning sunset, we’ll watch it from here.

Once back at camp, there is a BBQ for dinner and relax before going for a night-time walk along Tidal River and Norman Bay beach to gaze at the stars. Wilsons Promontory is one of the best spots in Victoria for stargazing.

Day 2

We wake up early and cook breakfast before tackling the Mt Oberon Summit Walk. It’s a 3.5km walk up to the summit however the view is one of the best in Victoria. The walk whilst uphill is achievable for all guests with a moderate fitness level. Once at the top we relax and soak in the amazing views.

Lunch is at Tidal River and we have the option of relaxing at the beach in Norman Bay, exploring Picnic Bay or walking the 6km loop at Lilly Pilly Gully. At around 4pm, we depart for Melbourne.

The Arrival time in Melbourne is around 7-7:30pm on Sunday night.

Also depending on the weather and the group, we may also be able to visit a few wineries as well.

Accommodation

Tent camping. 2, 3 and 4 man tents are available and single guests will be provided their own tent. Inflatable mattresses and sleeping bags are also provided. Please just bring a pillow. The Tidal River campground has full toilet and shower facilities along with a general store.

In the evening a BBQ will be cooked and for breakfast cereal and fruit is provided along with fruit juice. The tour van also has a fridge on board and guests will be provided bottled water and please feel free to bring additional snacks and keep them in the fridge if you like. Lunch is at own expense and can choose from a wide variety of food at the Wilsons Prom general store.

What to bring – Your day pack with swimming clothes, towel, hat, sunglasses, toiletries & a change of clothes for Sunday.

Please also bring a good pair of runners or hiking shoes as this tour involves approx. 10km to 20km of walking over 2 days depending on group fitness and what activities you’d like to do.

Meet Ian and Nicole at coffee stand outside the Arts Centre.

Sat, 23 March

8.30am - 7.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 21 March

Dr Watson's Bar, 417 Collins Street, Melbourne

Join us for our end of month drinks in another great venue in the CBD.

If you are not a member, book in and join us at this end of month drinks night. Meet some of our hosts and members, learn more about the best and liveliest social activities in Melbourne and start enjoying a great social life and great benefits such as discounts to bars, restaurants, shopping, and wine offers.

A recent article on the social club can also be seen on Weekend Notes.

This month we are visiting Dr Watson's Bar that is situated above our favourite trivia haunts, the Sherlock Holmes Inn. The bar has been open since the 1st July and is a great spin-off from the Sherlock Holmes located beneath this bar.

The venue is long room that has a theme of Dr Watson and Sherlock Holmes and has large tables at the front, an elegant bar in the middle and other chairs for sitting and dining.

Just like the Sherlock, there is great pub grub and an extensive range of beers many served from the big pump handles with some traditional type English ales such as Hobgoblin, ESB and Old Speckled Hen to name a few.

It is a great addition to extend the ever-popular Sherlock Holmes and create Dr Watsons Bar in a similar style.

Meet at the check-in desk our reserved area at the back of the venue and check out the Baker Street vibe with us.

Thu, 28 March

6.30pm - 9.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: FREE

OPEN TO EVERYONE

Federation Square (opposite the main tram stop on St Kilda Road)

Join a group of fellow Melbourne Social Club bike riders for our monthly morning ride.

Our usual ride is around the Capital City trail which is about 32 km long and the ride takes approx 3 to 3.5 hrs including time for brunch and is mainly on sealed bike paths. It requires a reasonable level of fitness (as there are hilly sections) and a suitable bike in good working order.

We may change the ride a little bit this month but the ride will be of similar length and duration.

Meet David and Ian at Federation Square at 9 am directly opposite the tram stop on St Kilda Road.

Sat, 30 March

9.00am - 12.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Fri, 29 March

Stomping Ground Brewery, 100 Gipps Street, Collingwood

The Stomping Ground Brewery is an independent brewery newly opened in Collingwood and boasts an onsite bar, restaurant and beer garden.

It already has some great reviews such as awesome beer, great food and warm atmosphere.

The bar has over twenty taps within its large kitchen and dining area with huge fireplaces.

Lunch has options that include a mix of share plates, large plates, mains and salads.

The venue is still evolving, so come along now and enjoy the hidden qualities of a new brewery.

Meet Alan at the venue with our reserved booking

Sun, 31 March

1.00pm - 4.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Sat, 30 March

near St Kilda

Join us for an end of season social Sunday afternoon tennis which will consist of a round robin tournament where players are matched with other players of their own ability.

The players will play many doubles games over the afternoon session or even sit the odd game out.

Usually we have some games with prizes of bottles of wine just before the pizzas arrive, as per other end of season social tennis events.

BYO racquet or hire one at the courts at own cost at $5.

After play at around 7pm, there will be pizza and salads with a beer or glass of wine or sparkles which is also included in the cost.

This is the special end of season social tennis for the second half of the season, so come and join the party.

Meet Ian at the tennis centre. Tennis centre directions given on booking.

Sun, 31 March

4.15pm - 7.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Sat, 30 March

Sherlock Holmes, 415 Collins Street, Melbourne

Join us for a trivia night at the Sherlock Holmes on Collins Street which is a British styled pub located on Collins Street.

The trivia night is hosted by comedian Janet McLeod and offers winners $50 food & drink vouchers as well as quiz rounds for Jugs of Beer, Bottles of wine etc. Janet is a well-respected comedian and has a way of getting you involved in the night.

The Sherlock Holmes opened in 1985 and the hostelry has been extremely well received, as have its comestibles, ales wines and spirits. So much so that the worst criticism has been that the establishment is too small for the large numbers of discerning citizens who wish to avail themselves of the sundry attractions which this unique tavern affords.

Here is a home for the aficionados of the works of the eneffable Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, where the friendly shades of Dr Watson, Professor Moriarty (a changed man since he went over the falls) and the Stradivarius-playing, opium-smoking genius himself, the Great Detective, await your pleasure.

So meet Nicole at the reserved table for a fun trivia night.

Tue, 2 April

6.00pm - 9.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Mon, 1 April

Queen Street Rescue, 189 Queen Street, Melbourne

Join us for Friday night drinks at Queen Street Rescue that has a happy hour until 7pm before we walk across to a local jazz club.

The venue has a rustic charm and has contemporary Australian dishes with unique flavour combinations including pizza and pasta with a Friday night special of Fish and Chips for only $15. It has great reviews for their dishes, service and coffee.

Happy hour drinks includes $12 Espresso Martini, $20 jugs of Sangria, $6.5 house wines and $8 pints.

We will leave the venue at 7.30pm to the jazz club, please book for the jazz club as well if you are planning to visit the jazz club as well.

Meet Nicole at the reserved tables for the start of our double Friday night drinks.

Fri, 5 April

6.00pm - 7.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 4 April

Jasper Jazz Bar, 14 Goldie Place, Melbourne

Tonight we will wander into an old favourite with a new look as many members will remember our visits to this venue that was previously "The Word Lounge" it is now a 1920's style speakeasy.

This is the follow on event to the early Friday Night drinks at the Queen Street Rescue.

Melbourne’s population of jazz lovers will be overjoyed to note that the city’s latest resident is a devotee of the sax-adoring music scene. Jasper’s has just opened its doors, a designated after-work, late-night cocktail bar that’s focused on providing the perfect place in which to sit back with a tipple and enjoy a live music performance.

Hidden away in Goldie Place, Jasper’s entrance is fittingly marked with a trumpet. Inside you’ll find a hidden courtyard, complete with exposed bricks, greenery and murals to make you feel a world away from the bustling streets of Melbourne CBD that sit just outside. Sip on a selection of craft gins, whiskey and a carefully curated wines from in a space heavily inspired by the 1920s.

The Jazz bar has live jazz from 9.30pm and there is a $20 cover charge. We have a reserved number of secured places, so this event is pay in advance.

Meet Nicole at the reserved tables.

Fri, 5 April

7.35pm - 10.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 4 April

South Melbourne Markets, Cnr York & Cecil Street

Come and enjoy a day wandering around the markets.

Since 1867, South Melbourne Market has been a treasured inner city landmark and a favourite amongst locals and visitors. It is the quintessential village market, a place where people come not only to purchase fresh food, but to meet, eat, drink, shop, discover, share and connect.

Their walls are full of authentic traders who display their wares with pride and passion. Quirky and playful characters are found behind the counters, delivering old fashioned customer service with a smile. Embracing and showcasing the locals, supporting local farmers, artisans and producers.

It’s a foodie’s paradise where freshness, quality and diversity are paramount with food stuffs from land to sea. We celebrate a philosophy of real food, encouraging you to cook food that is made from great quality, fresh produce sourced from their family of traders you know, love and trust.

They are a home to seriously good coffee, specialty tea and a vibrant restaurant precinct for day and night time fun. There’s also an amazing array of merchandise and services with everything from clothing, homewares and second hand books to hairdressing and pet food.

So meet Nicole for some foodie fun.

Sat, 6 April

9.00am - NOON

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Fri, 5 April

Coffee Stand outside the Arts Centre, St Kilda Road Melbourne

Enjoy an incredible Macedon Ranges Tour for a special member price of under $70!

We have put this trip together on request from our members, and we expect this to be another popular trip, so don't forget to book early. We will not be able to up-size transport options on this trip, so bookings can't be increased.

The price includes return transport with the proposed wineries Granite Hills Winery, Cobaw Ridge Winery, Cloud 9 Winery Hanging Rock Winery and if time, Curly Flat Winery.

Lunch will be at the Holgate Brewhouse in Woodend or Colenso, lunch and tastings at own expense.

Meet Ian and Nicole at the coffee stand outside the Arts Centre. Tour leaves at 9.45am sharp so enjoy for an early coffee if you wish at own expense.

Sun, 7 April

9.30am - 6.15pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Basecamp, 102 High Street, Northcote

Basecamp Northcote in started out in October 2013 with a mission to provide home to delicious Birmingham balti curries so a great place to have our curry of the month.

What is a balti? In short, its Indian styled British curries served in small Balti dishes. With ranges from smooth curries to fiery Indian chillied dishes, Balti is a definite win amongst all lovers of Indian Cuisine. But wait, that is not it, it is perfect for vegans, vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

As well as the balti there are the usual Indian delights. So come and join your Birmingham born host Alan and see what it is all about.

Meet Alan at the Funff tables.

Wed, 10 April

7.00pm - 9.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Tue, 9 April

Clifton Hill Brewpub, 89 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill

Join us on another pub adventure. We will be visiting areas around Northcote, Thornbury and Preston using the tram 86 to move long on our travels.

We will be starting at the Brewpub that has been given an impressive refurbishment with the addition of a shiny new microbrewery, brewing their very own range of craft beers.

The Brewpub has an extensive number of meal items including share plates and beer food through to steaks including a 400gm Rib Eye. Other options include sea food option such as Lobster Ravioli, salmon, pastas, pork belly and usual pub fare.

We plan to visit various pub along the Tram 86 route and planning to visit The Terminus, Peacock, Carwyn Cellars ending at Tallboy and Moose in Preston

All food and drinks at own expense. Meet Alan at the Brewpub.

Sat, 13 April

12.30pm - 4.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Fri, 12 April

Central Club Hotel, 246 Victoria Street, North Melbourne

Join us for the bar of the month in North Melbourne not far from the Queen Victoria market which has undergone a facelift in April 2018.

The newly refurbished pub has a wide selection of beer and great burgers and is known as the best craft beer venue in North Melbourne.

It has some great on-line reviews, so come and visit with us.

Meet Alan at the reserved tables

Wed, 17 April

6.45pm - 9.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Tue, 16 April

Great Northern Hotel, 644 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North

Come and enjoy a casual Easter Monday with lunch and a few drinks on a relaxed Easter afternoon.

Many members have asked us to arrange another visit to this venue so enjoy a fun Easter Monday at a pub that has a well-priced food menu and huge beer garden that will keep you coming back for more.

It has an 80% rating on Urbanspoon as well with all food and drinks at own expense.

Look for Alan and the table(s) for Funff or contact mobile sent in SMS reminder.

Mon, 22 April

1.00pm - 4.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Sun, 21 April

Elephant and Wheelbarrow, 94-96 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Come and enjoy St Georges Day with a few pints and dinner after work at an English style pub in the city.

It is a great place to meet up with friends and experience a pub that has a style of a London style city pub.

The menu has a mix of English and classical dishes. There is something for everyone with pizza, steak, salads, burgers and if you fancy a bit of Olde England you can savour a few traditional dishes with options of an all day English breakfast, shepherds pie, fish and chips, beef pot pie, butter chicken or even scotch eggs or quaff a fine English Ale such as Old Speckled Hen and London Pride. Tuesday night is also Bangers and Mash night for only $17.

Meet Ian at our reserved tables.

Tue, 23 April

6.30pm - 9.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Mon, 22 April

DOC Expresso, 330 Lygon Street, Carlton

Join us for a Saturday night in Lygon Street, the home of Italian culture in Melbourne (Little Italy) that buzzes day and night.

We will be starting at DOC located right in the middle of Lygon Street at the heart of Italian restaurants.

It is a busy place with a very high ranking on Urbanspoon and a great mix of home-made pasta, salads, cheese boards and cured meats. Note that DOC Expresso does not have the full mix of all the Italian dishes that you might expect at a Lygon Street restaurant but it could be described as a pasta lovers delight.

After dinner, see some of the sights of Lygon Street that could include depending on the group on the night : Brunetti (coffee/cakes); Casa del Gelato (ice cream/gelatos); Koko Black (for all your chocolate delights) or a drink at one of the many venues in Lygon Street.

Discount car parking is available using your membership rewards card at the Elgin Street Car Park (215 Elgin Street) which is a 50% discount on Saturday otherwise another option is Lygon Street Car park, 204-208 Lygon Street. There is also The is the old clock tower and the parking across from the old Windows hospital, one street back from Lygon (closer to Melbourne Uni).

Meet Albert at the venue.

Sat, 27 April

7.00pm - 10.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Fri, 26 April

Governors Lounge, Royal Melbourne Hotel (RMH), 629 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Join us for our end of month drinks in the Governors Lounge at Royal Melbourne Hotel exclusively reserved for Fun, Food and Friendship and the Melbourne Social Club in this heritage listed building.

Come and see some of our previous event photos on the TV screens in our reserved area.

If you are not a member, book in and join us at this end of month drinks night. Meet some of our hosts and members, learn more about the best and liveliest social activities in Melbourne and start enjoying a great social life and great benefits such as discounts to bars, restaurants, shopping and car parking in the city.

There is fantastic Tuesday night $15 parma with a drink deal available on the night.

This historic venue is located near the intersection of Bourke Street and King Street.

Check-in with the hosts of the Melbourne Social Club on arrival

Tue, 30 April

6.30pm - 9.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: FREE

OPEN TO EVERYONE

Coffee Stand Outside the Arts Centre to the Grampians

Join us for a weekend at the Grampians to enjoy the Grape Escape wine festival and also enjoy some amazing scenic walks (all walks optional).

The Grampians is a region world-famous for its natural wonders and outdoor pursuits, so breathe in deeply and enjoy the incredible scenery.

The Grape Escape is the longest running food and wine festival in Victoria and has something for everyone. Discover the delights of 125 food and wine artisans while you soak up live music, cooking demonstrations and fun in the heart of the majestic Grampians National Park.

Any walks are optional, so those that would like just visit the festival can just enjoy the festival if they wish.

The accommodation is tent camping with all camping equipment provided at Halls Gap Caravan Park. Please note the campground has full toilet and shower facilities.

Camping equipment provided includes tent, thermarest sleeping mat, goose down sleeping bag, inflatable pillow & camp chairs.

The tour price includes a cooked BBQ dinner and breakfast and the tour van has a fridge on board if you would like to bring additional snacks.

Halls Gap the main township of the Grampians is where we will stop for lunch on the Saturday and guests can enjoy the wonderful food options on offer at the Grampians Grape Escape Festival on the Sunday.

What to bring – Your day pack with water bottle, towel, hat, jacket, sunglasses, toiletries & a change of clothes for Sunday. Please also bring a good pair of runners or hiking shoes as this tour could involve approximately 10km of walking over the 2 days if you choose the walks.

The price includes includes return transport from Melbourne, cooked BBQ dinner and breakfast and all camping equipment included but does not include the Grampians Grape Escape Tasting ticket. There is a Saturday ticket a Sunday ticket or a weekend ticket available depending on which option you might prefer.

Meet Ian at the coffee stand outside the Arts Centre at where we will leave at 8:30am sharp and we aim to arrive back in the city around 7pm - 7.30pm on Sunday.

Sat, 4 May

8.15am - 7.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Wed, 1 May

Melbourne to Albury/Rutherglen

We are planning a long weekend over Saturday 8th to Monday 10th June to the Rutherglen Winery Walkabout for our members

Since 1974, thousands of people have descended on Rutherglen for one of the biggest wine festivals in the country. A general admission ticket to Winery Walkabout gets you access to wine tastings, live music, entertainment, tours and more at over 17 wineries, making for an epic jam-packed, fun-filled long weekend!

More information and prices coming soon.

Sat, 8 June

9.00am - TBA

Non-Members / Guests: N/A