Holliava

Holliava has those shiny black tiles on the street-front & it sits opposite the Richmond railway station. The doorway feels a smidge smaller than usual but through it reveals a solid pub.

The accessible front area is divided by a wall – one side offers low leather seats and tables and chairs, the other bar stools & high benches. The ping pong table is set up there with more than ample room.

We caught Leigh just as he was letting out a talkative plasterer. The place hadn’t opened yet but he was in a good mood having lost and then found his dog in the space of 24 hours. (She’d disappeared onto the street and almost immediately found a foster home)

The more wheelchair friendly side has low seating, tables and chairs and an open fireplace. Massive windows reveal the busy intersection in Tigerland. This is a great spot to sit for a meal and a beverage. Out the back is an okay-sized beer garden furnished with a small bar, TV, wire stools and some wheelchair-friendly seating.

As he walked down Swan street tearing down the now-redundant lost dog posters Leigh was a reminder that Melbourne has some awesome hospitality.

(Thanks Leigh)

Step-free (access to downstair only) / Accessible Toilets

Great: Free pool and free Nintendo.
Not so: Potentially the front door width.