Bridge HotelCastlemaine

A country pub at the grassy end of Castlemaine, by the Botanical Gardens and the old Mill, with a band room and a big beer garden that together make one of the region's busiest live rooms. Original and touring acts play most weeks — local songwriters, national names, the odd international act on a regional detour — much of it free in the garden. The kitchen cooks from named local farms; the taps pour Harcourt Valley wine and Castlemaine beer. North Melbourne fans get served first.