The man. The myth. The beer. Visit the Frankston gem that embodies the spirit of James Squire.
The man. The myth. The beer. Visit the Frankston gem that embodies the spirit of James Squire. |
Forget about Ned Kelly. The cheeky rebel James Squire had him licked when it comes to risk-taking, roguish charm and rakish attitude. Over 150 years after his death, his name and spirit lives on with the well-loved James Squire craft beer and cider range, and a couple of kickass brewhouses that feature the full James Squire selection on tap (as well as a few limited edition brews).
The Cheeky Squire in Frankston is one such brewhouse. A sprawling venue straddling the intersection of Davey Street and the Nepean Highway, it’s a cavernous space that dates back to the 19th century. Formerly Davey’s Bar and Restaurant – known for its over-28s disco – it’s been given a facelift that makes the gleaming copper bar a focal point and maximises the incredible views over Port Phillip Bay and the Frankston Foreshore.
From a food perspective, expect to find classic pub fare made with top-notch local produce from the Mornington Peninsula. Think a plump buttermilk-marinated chicken schnitz or a parma-with-a-difference starring smoked pulled pork, Napoli and mozzarella. The steak menu offers four cuts of beef grilled to your liking, including a butter-soft 250gm wagyu rump. Fries are crispy, sides are meant for sharing, and grazing plates include Bolognese arancini bursting with cheesy bechamel sauce and smashed falafel tacos.
Vegans will find more than one option (hooray!), and those craving a giant burger minus the meat can feast on a plant-based number with vegan cheddar, rocket, pumpkin, chipotle mayo and veg fries. If you plan on taking youngsters along, there’s a crowd-pleasing kids menu, plus deliciously oozy mac ‘n cheese croquettes that are a winner at any age.
All bases are covered here, and that’s what we love about it. The Cheeky Squire wants you to have a great time when you visit, but doesn’t take itself too seriously or breathe down the back of your neck. Whether you want to indulge in a bit of beer, banter and footy-watching with a big group of mates or meet some friends whose kids need to be limited to an environment where they can’t do themselves too much damage, the Squire delivers. Booking ahead on Friday and Saturday nights is recommended.
It may be a chill, industrial gastropub, but it’s also a place with a lot of heart and soul. Service is warm and attentive, and regulars know that there’s more on offer than awesome drinks and food. Poker night is every Tuesday from 7pm, with new players welcome. Acoustic sessions happen every Sunday (out in the beer garden if the weather is nice). Pub trivia is launching any day now, and there are regular stand-up comedy shows and AFL/AFLW speaker events.
Be sure to ask staff what’s coming up or follow their Insta to be in the know – there’s always something fun and interesting in the works. Plus, the bar staff pull $6 pints every Monday night until the lines run dry. What more could you ask for?
If you’re looking for a glamorous date night venue, this probably isn’t the place. Think easy-going local vibes rather than cosy candlelit intimacy. But then again, the staff will likely make it work if you ask them for a secluded table and maybe even fetch you a candle or two. It’s just that type of place, and the location is ideal for a late-night stroll on the beach.
The function room is available for birthdays, engagements, product launches, and every type of event you can imagine. The Squire even has accommodation sorted, with 11 newly renovated rooms on the ground level.
Throughout his life, James Squire always took the path less travelled. Even if Frankston isn’t usually on your radar, maybe you should too.
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