The Laurel Hotel

Name: The Laurel Hotel
Address: 289 Mt Alexander Rd, Ascot Vale, AU-VIC, 3032, AU
Telephone: (03) 8676 4501
Price range: $41 to $100
Rating: 4.3

4.3 (70)

$41 to $100

Australian

289 Mt Alexander Rd, Ascot Vale, AU-VIC 3032

Make a booking

The Laurel Hotel

4.3

$41 to $100

Australian

Ascot Vale

Make a booking

2 people

8 Nov 2026

7:30 pm

Booked 10 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Neighbourhood gem
Good for groups
Kid-friendly

The Laurel Hotel has been lovingly refurbished, offering a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. This traditional corner pub dating back to 1853 offers a mix of indoor dining areas, a sports bar boasting a pool table and is the perfect spot for a casual catch up, family meal, or celebration with friends.

The menu heroes wood-fired pizzas, Aussie pub favourites and seasonal specials, with options to suit a range of dietary needs. Behind the bar, you’ll find a well curated selection of beers along with an extensive list of favourited Australian wines.

With a dedicated kids area a stunning upstairs events space, and a growing calendar of community events, The Laurel isn’t just a pub, it’s a local hub for the community to enjoy.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$41 to $100
Cuisines
Australian, Pub, Bistro
Hours of Operation
Mon–Sat 11:30–00:00 Sun 11:30–22:00
Phone number
(03) 8676 4501
Website
https://www.laurelhotel.au/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Group canape and sit down menus are available for groups of 30+
Private party facilities
Level 1 offers a private function space with a dedicated bar. Perfect for large groups, work functions, birthday parties and celebrations.

Location
289 Mt Alexander Rd, Ascot Vale, AU-VIC 3032
Area
Ascot Vale
Cross street
Middle and Mt Alexander Road
Parking Details
Street Parking
Public transport
Closest tram no 59. Stop number: 28 - Middle St/ Mt Alexander Rd, directly in front of the venue. Closest train station: Ascot Vale, Craigieburn line.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Private Room, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Wednesday Trivia
1 - 30 people
Multiple dates available
It doesn’t get better than midweek trivia at The Laurel! Register from 6.30pm Kicks off at 7pm. $8 select drinks all night and hosted by the legends at QuizzaMe! Rally the crew and lock in your Wednesday plans!

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Salt and Pepper Squid$19.50
Lightly spiced calamari rings, aioli (GF)
Pork Belly Bites$21.00
Glaze & crackling (GF, DF)
White Anchovies on Toast$10.50
White anchovies on toasted ciabatta, capers & peppernata, chives (GF, DF)
Tuna Tataki$22.00
Seared tuna, soy glaze, wasabi, sesame, flaked nori (GF, DF)
Stracciatella$19.50
Stracciatella, medley of tomatoes, basil & woodfire bread (V, GF, DF)
Pork Spring Rolls$21.00
Pork spring rolls, sweet chilli sauce, cos lettuce (GF, DF)
Cauliflower Bites$18.00
Chipotle aioli, pickles (V, GF, DF)
Popcorn Chicken$10.00
Buttermilk chicken, aioli (GF, DF)
Cured Meats$28.00
Selection of cured meats, balsamic onions, cornichons (GF, DF)
Cheese Board$32.00
Selection of cheeses, dried fruits, quince paste, lavosh (GF, V)

Mains

Red Wine Braised Lamb Shank$39.00
Slow cooked for 8 hours, creamy mash, broccolini (GF)
Crispy Skin Barramundi$32.00
Crispy skin barramundi, capers, olives, tomato, basil, lemon vinaigrette (GF, DF)
Thai Salmon Salad$34.00
Thai salmon salad, vermicelli noodles, Asian herbs, nam jim dressing (GF, DF)
Beef Mushroom Pie$28.50
Beef, mushroom, onion gravy, mashed potato, peas & carrots (GF, DF)
Grilled Chicken Burger$29.50
Grilled chicken burger, spiced shallots, herbs, aioli, cheese, skin-on fries (GF, DF)
Beer Battered Rockling$33.00
Beer battered rockling fillets, tartare sauce, lemon, garden salad, fries (GF, DF)
Chicken Parma$32.00
Panko crumbed chicken, Napoli sauce, mozzarella, garden salad, fries (GF, DF)

Steak

250g Porterhouse Steak$48.00
250g porterhouse steak, served with spud fries, salad, choice of sauce (GF, DF)
300g Scotch Fillet$56.00
300g scotch fillet, served with spud fries, salad, choice of sauce (GF, DF)

Sides

Garlic Bread$14.00
Garlic bread, parmesan (V)
Honey Roasted Carrots$15.00
Honey roasted carrots, feta (V, GF, DF)
Whipped Feta$16.00
Whipped feta, olive oil, dukkah (V, GF, DF)
Charred Broccolini$31.00
Charred broccolini, lemon vinaigrette (GF, DF)
Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes$16.00
Duck fat roasted potatoes, rosemary, sea salt (GF, DF)
Fries$13.50
Fries, served with aioli (GF, V, DF)

Dessert

Laurel Gaytime$15.00
Housemade Caramel Ice Cream, White Chocolate, Biscuit Crumb
Sticky Date Pudding$15.00
Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch, Hazelnut Praline & Vanilla Ice Cream

Pizza

All pizzas can be made on gluten-free bases

Margherita$24.00
Fresh Basil, Parmesan
Prosciutto$27.00
Mozzarella, Rocket, Parmesan
Barbecue Chicken$25.00
Chicken, Onion, BBQ Sauce
Pepperoni$27.00
Mozzarella, Jalapeños, Pickled Jalapeños
Potato & Rosemary$25.00
Garlic Base, Mozzarella, Potato, Rosemary
Mushroom$26.00
Garlic Base, Mozzarella, Mushrooms, Truffle Oil

Pasta

All pastas can be made gluten-free & dairy-free

Spaghetti Arrabbiata$35.00
Classic Italian Tomato Sauce with Chilli, Onion and Garlic, Parmesan
Pappardelle$32.00
8hr Slow Braised Beef Ragu, Tomato, Roasted Parmesan
Gnocchi$29.50
Vodka Sauce, Parmesan, Basil

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at The Laurel Hotel.

4.3

(70)

4.2Food
4.5Service
4.3Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

Inner City North
Great for brunch
Inner City North
Kid-friendly
Inner City North
Neighbourhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Laurel Hotel boasts "fabulous fresh food" and "great ambience," making it a delightful dining spot. Known for its "excellent pub food" and "wonderful staff," it offers a cozy atmosphere with a revamped space. Popular steak nights and attentive service enhance its charm, making it a must-visit venue.

70 Reviews

S
Sylvia
Melbourne6 reviews
4.0
Dined on 27 October 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The staff were very professional and friendly. We had the steak, which was cooked perfectly and was delicious. I would definitely recommend dinging at The Laurel and we will be going back again.
The Laurel HotelResponded on 28 October 2026
Hi Sylvia, Thank you for your wonderful feedback, we'd love to know how we could make your experience next time a 5-star one.
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P
Patricia
Melbourne1 review
5.0
Dined on 27 October 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fabulous fresh food. Great Tuesday specials. Good service. Parking on site. Coffee order made to perfection
The Laurel HotelResponded on 29 October 2026
We’re so grateful for your lovely review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed our fresh food and great Tuesday specials. We’re glad the service and on-site parking made your visit easy, and that your coffee was made to perfection. Your feedback really makes our day thanks again!
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D
Denise
Melbourne3 reviews
3.0
Dined on 24 October 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The pub was an OK place to eat. The service was good. It was supposed to be table service but we were expected to pay at the bar a tad confusing. My friend had the Caesar Salad and paid extra for chicken, unfortunately there were about 2-4 pieces of very dry chicken, for her iot was a veryt disappointing meal which she struggled to finish. I had the salmon salad which was edible. We made the observation to a waitress about the lack of chicken in the Caesar Salad but she seemed to cheerfully fob us off. Would not reccomend the venue.
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M
Mike
Adelaide1 review
4.0
Dined on 21 October 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Hi have been to the Laurel many times over the year, but have not been in the last 3 years. I was very pleasantly surprised by the "new" Laurel. Walked in the side door and greatly very nicely by the bar man and he explained where to go for our booked lunch. Went to dining room and was greeted with a great smile by the maître d, she showed us to our table and got us some water. The server then came over and set us up with some wine. After a while we ordered our meals, the friends we were with we had not seen for some considerable time and got distracted talking, the server was very patient and gave us time to get ourselves organised. The food arrived and it was very nice and we enjoyed the meal. We continued to talk and never really stopped. the Maître D advised the dining room was closing in 15 minutes, but if we would like any thing else she could set us up in the next room or garden. We accepted that offer and had coffee in the garden. I must say, the Laurel had fallen off my dining list and now its firmly back on it. Great job Laurel - keep it up
The Laurel HotelResponded on 23 October 2026
Hi Mike, Thank you for your wonderful review and we are so happy we could accommodate your lunch on Wednesday. We would love to know what we could do next time for a 5-star experience and can't wait to welcome yourself and your wife back soon!
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G
Geoff
Sydney5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 October 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent pub food. Good serving sizes and wonderful staff. Not a bad wine list, including a good Heathcote shiraz. Whenever we're in Melbourne from Sydney, we catch up with family at the Laurel.
The Laurel HotelResponded on 23 October 2026
Hi Geoff, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback and once again allowing us to host your family get togethers! We can't wait to welcome you all back again soon.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Victoria1 review
5.0
Dined on 8 October 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service was top notch looking after us and our babies. Had a relaxing delicious steak before it got too busy. I felt the steak meal with a drink was good value at $31.
The Laurel HotelResponded on 11 October 2026
Thanks so much for your lovely review. We’re delighted that our staff looked after you and your babies and that you enjoyed a relaxing, delicious steak before it got busy. We’re also glad you found the steak and drink value of $31 worthwhile. We look forward to welcoming you back.
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M
Melissa
Victoria4 reviews
4.0
Dined on 30 September 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great ambience, love the space! Staff are always great. We waited almost an hour for our food but they let us know the kitchen was busy. Would love to see the menu change a bit, pizza was a bit lacklustre. A thick base with some cold ingredients sitting on top (that felt just like a salad on bread really). Parma was nice but pretty small. Will them again but wanting to see a little uptick in quality for the price.
The Laurel HotelResponded on 1 October 2026
Hi Melissa, Thank you so much for the thoughtful feedback! We’re really glad you loved the space and, most importantly, that our team looked after you. We completely understand that an hour is longer than anyone wants to wait for a meal, even on a busy service, so we really appreciate your patience and understanding on the night. We also genuinely appreciate the feedback on the food. We’re always reviewing our menu and looking at where we can improve, so comments like yours around the pizza, portion sizes and overall value are really helpful for our team. We’re glad to hear you’ll give us another go, and we hope we can knock it out of the park for you next time!
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K
Krista
Melbourne3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 3 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another 5 star review from me. Spectacular mid week dinner on steak night this time. Everything was on point as usual. Thanks Laurel!
The Laurel HotelResponded on 7 September 2026
Thanks so much for another five-star review! We’re thrilled your mid-week steak night was spectacular and that everything was on point. We really appreciate you coming back and sharing this lovely feedback. We look forward to welcoming you again soon for another great meal.
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K
Karleen
Victoria1 review
3.0
Dined on 19 August 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Went for dinner on a Thursday night the bistro had one long table of guests plus another 3 to 4 small tables. We ordered the advertised weekly starter and were told that it had run out. We had to wait 15 minutes before we got a drink and then nearly 40 minutes before we got our main course. Next time we will eat in the bar area.
The Laurel HotelResponded on 23 August 2026
Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback. Our weekly specials run from Thursday to Thursday, while stocks last, and unfortunately we had sold out by the time of your visit. We’re sorry for the disappointment this caused. On Wednesday evening, we were also experiencing unexpected issues with our point-of-sale system, which resulted in longer wait times and unnecessary delays. We completely understand how frustrating this would have been and sincerely apologise that it impacted your experience with us. We appreciate your feedback and hope you’ll give us another opportunity to provide you with the experience we’re usually proud to offer.
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H
Herman
Melbourne3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 August 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went to the Laurel for the trivia night. Good fun and the staff were friendly. Place got refurbished a while back and it looks great. Fun night out
The Laurel HotelResponded on 23 August 2026
Hi Herman, thanks for your feedback, we are glad you enjoyed our weekly Wednesday trivia and the service provided by our team. We can't wait to welcome you back soon!
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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$41 to $100
Cuisines
Australian, Pub, Bistro
Hours of Operation
Mon–Sat 11:30–00:00 Sun 11:30–22:00
Phone number
(03) 8676 4501
Website
https://www.laurelhotel.au/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Group canape and sit down menus are available for groups of 30+
Private party facilities
Level 1 offers a private function space with a dedicated bar. Perfect for large groups, work functions, birthday parties and celebrations.

Location
289 Mt Alexander Rd, Ascot Vale, AU-VIC 3032
Area
Ascot Vale
Cross street
Middle and Mt Alexander Road
Parking Details
Street Parking
Public transport
Closest tram no 59. Stop number: 28 - Middle St/ Mt Alexander Rd, directly in front of the venue. Closest train station: Ascot Vale, Craigieburn line.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Private Room, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Thursday, guests regularly praise the Thursday steak night (Steak and Pint/Wine for $29), making it a popular choice for a great meal out.

Yes, The Laurel Hotel provides family-friendly seating, with a dedicated kids area for little ones and kids meals available.

Yes, the menu includes clearly labelled options: the Mushroom pizza is marked VE for vegans, several pizzas and sides are marked V for vegetarians, and multiple dishes are marked GF (for example the 250g Porterhouse Steak and Smoked Hummus).

Yes, The Laurel Hotel can work nicely for date night: guests praise its intimate spaces for a date, there's a cosy fireplace in the main dining room, and an extensive wine and sparkling list to enjoy.

The salt-and-pepper squid is a recurring favourite, it's on the menu and multiple guests praise the squid/calamari as excellent.

The Laurel Hotel feels like a warmly refurbished traditional corner pub, welcoming and relaxed, with a sports bar, pool table and an open fire; lively on trivia and local nights, calmer in the carpeted area.

Casual dress, comfortable, informal attire is appropriate (guests commonly wear polos, tailored shorts and Birkenstocks in the renovated pub).

For a lively night, head to The Laurel Hotel on Thursday evenings for the popular steak night, and drop in on one of the regular trivia nights when the main bar fills up for a fun local atmosphere.

Yes, guests report a Thursday steak special (Steak plus a pint or wine for $29) and there’s also mention of a Monday pizza night special, plus regular community events like trivia nights.

The Laurel Hotel offers a mix of indoor dining areas including a bistro/main dining room, a sports bar (with a pool table), a dedicated kids area and a spacious upstairs events room, guests also note enjoying time outside watching the footy.

Yes, The Laurel Hotel is family-friendly: it has a dedicated kids area for small children and guests note kids meals (around $12), making it a welcoming spot for families.

Yes, The Laurel Hotel has a full drinks program featuring craft cocktails, beers on tap and an extensive list of Australian wines and sparkling options.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a booking

The Laurel Hotel

4.3

$41 to $100

Australian

Ascot Vale

Make a booking

2 people

8 Nov 2026

7:30 pm

Booked 10 times today

Experiences are available.

The Laurel Hotel

Make a booking

The Laurel Hotel

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Wednesday Trivia

Share Plates

Salt and Pepper Squid$19.50

Pork Belly Bites$21.00

White Anchovies on Toast$10.50

Tuna Tataki$22.00

Stracciatella$19.50

Pork Spring Rolls$21.00

Cauliflower Bites$18.00

Popcorn Chicken$10.00

Cured Meats$28.00

Cheese Board$32.00

Mains

Red Wine Braised Lamb Shank$39.00

Crispy Skin Barramundi$32.00

Thai Salmon Salad$34.00

Beef Mushroom Pie$28.50

Grilled Chicken Burger$29.50

Beer Battered Rockling$33.00

Chicken Parma$32.00

Steak

250g Porterhouse Steak$48.00

300g Scotch Fillet$56.00

Sides

Garlic Bread$14.00

Honey Roasted Carrots$15.00

Whipped Feta$16.00

Charred Broccolini$31.00

Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes$16.00

Fries$13.50

Dessert

Laurel Gaytime$15.00

Sticky Date Pudding$15.00

Pizza

Margherita$24.00

Prosciutto$27.00

Barbecue Chicken$25.00

Pepperoni$27.00

Potato & Rosemary$25.00

Mushroom$26.00

Pasta

Spaghetti Arrabbiata$35.00

Pappardelle$32.00

Gnocchi$29.50

Loved For

Review summary

Dining areas

Additional information

FAQs

What is the best day to go to The Laurel Hotel?

Does this restaurant have accessible or family-friendly seating?

Does this restaurant have vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free or other dietary options?

Is this a good pick for date night?

What is this restaurant's stand-out or favorite dish?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

What is the dress code for The Laurel Hotel?

When is the best time to go to The Laurel Hotel?

Does this restaurant have any specials deals or experiences?

What seating arrangements/rooms does this restaurant have?

Is this restaurant kid-friendly?

Does this restaurant serve alcohol?

Make a booking

The Laurel Hotel

Make a booking