Nostalgic nights, Nash Trash, and the new era that keep The National Hotel a local favourite

The National Hotel holds a special place in the hearts of Geelongians.

From its 1856 establishment through its multiple waves of facelifts, this corner pub has welcomed workers, bands, youth, comics, and families to the multi-level facility. It’s perhaps most romanticised for its early 2000’s to 2010 iteration to locals, right before its rebuild when regular punters adoringly labelled themselves ‘Nash Trash’, bands like King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and The Murlocs cut their teeth in the back bandroom, and the stage played host to international acts including Best Coast, and even Bring Me The Horizon. But that time also saw the building at its most run down. Cut to a closure in 2012, and a complete restoration of the premises, bringing The National Hotel into its current, more elevated era.

The National Hotel

Where: 191 Moorabool Street, Geelong

Keep up to date with the latest in food and drinks across regional Victoria here.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The National Hotel (@nhgeelong)

Across three levels, including two versatile function spaces – one of which is a stunning open-plan rooftop bar that overlooks the Geelong city centre – The National Hotel has continued its roles as an atrium to Geelong’s hospitality heart. In addition to the vibrant upstairs, the centre floor is an ambient dining room with exposed brick walls and an open fireplace, creating a cosy atmosphere for intimate dinners, or to be transformed into a comfortable space for larger gatherings. The bottom level is your casual bar for a quick bite and beer. 

With multiple timber bars highlighted by a large copper Carlton tank overhead, The National Hotel honours its rich history as a watering hole, whilst the bistro menu offers pub classics and heightened cuisine. There’s chicken parmi’s, porterhouse, beef burgers, and a beef and Guinness pot pie alongside pork laksa, harissa roasted cauliflower, and seafood linguini marinara. In snacks you’ll find local seafood starters like oysters, salt and pepper calamari salad, and Portarlington mussels, as well as steak fries and mushroom and pea arancini. 

Keeping in the establishment’s tradition of hosting lively events, the space has welcomed open mic nights for local comics, its dose of live music, Tuesday trivia, bingo and football screenings. 

The National Hotel is known as an institution in the Geelong community, one that continues to bring in a regular crowd.

To explore more or to book a table, head here.