Our Top 5 Fireplaces to Celebrate Winter in Geelong

fireplace at The Arborist geelong

Winter is one of our favourite months here at Austin’s. Our cellar door is lovely and warm with views of the twisting wood of the bare vines. It’s also the month where we rug up to face the elements for our annual vineyard cleansing that is the burning of the canes. It’s also the season to cheer on our beloved Geelong Cats!

Burning if the Canes at Austin’s

These chilly months are always the best time for seeking out a cosy dinner venue for a sneaky red wine with friends. As the temperature starts to drop, we begin to crave a delicious meal in front of a roaring open fire. To inspire your next toasty night out, we’ve rounded up 5 of the cosiest restaurants and pubs in Geelong. It’s time to hustle up your besties, or organise a date night with the atmosphere of a crackling fire.

Geelong Cellar Door

You cannot go past the cosy fire within this stunning Geelong venue. This local wine bar has the best selection of cool climate wines and has an interior aesthetic of peeling paint and exposed bricks that makes you feel like you could be anywhere in Europe. Grab a friend, have a sneaky tasting and be quick to grab a seat on the couch in front of their roaring fire.

Sawyers Arms Tavern

This fabulous little pub built in 1850 is hidden away in the back streets of Newtown and is one of Geelong’s oldest. This classic local watering hole prides itself by producing refined pub food with a focus on delicious steaks. However, it was recently in the running for the region’s best Parmi – we think that sounds perfect with a wine in front of the fire!

fireplace at sawyers Arms geelong by Nitch Photography
Image by Nitch Photography

Ambergris Hotel

This new gastro hotel is located in Moorabool street and is oozing historical charm. The new owners have carefully renovated this pub’s Victorian character by bringing it back to its original state. Combine this warming aesthetic with a giant chesterfield in front of the fire and you have an instant date night planned! Food has a local pub/bistro vibe with a fresh approach. The local born chef Jackson Wilde has worked for the infamous Coda and Tonka and is now focussing on finding Geelong punters the freshest ingredients possible.

fireplace at Ambergris geelong - image from the geelong advertiser
Image by Geelong Advertiser

The Arborist

Treat yourself to modern Australian fare with Middle Eastern-inspired twists when you visit the lovely Arborist located on Geelong’s bustling little Malop Street. This split level dining experience is amongst a stunningly modern interior that has a tiled, central, fire place. The Arborist is well known with locals and is a fab spot for after work drinks on a chilly winter’s night. Admire the beautiful Ash tree that this venue has been built around while you share a dish with a friend.

fireplace at The Arborist geelong

The Gold Diggers Arms

The restaurant in the Gold DIggers arms has a traditional brick pillar fireplace that is open on both sides (more than one table gets the fire seat!). You can find this local pub in Skenes Creek, Newtown. The restaurant creates South American influenced dishes and balances contemporary dining with classic gastropub dishes. You’ll be surrounded by warm ambient lighting, stained glass windows and general cosy vibes in this down to earth venue. A perfect place to watch the footy in the public bar and sneak into the dining room for dinner by the fire.

If you’re not feeling like going out and about and if you are lucky enough to have a fabulous open fire place at home, there is nothing better than a movie, ordering in some local takeaway and trying our delicious 6ft6 mulled wine recipe.

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