After two-decades running The Commercial Club Hotel on Nicholson Street, Fitzroy – the iconic pub will mark the end of an era come April 2026; as this beloved neighbourhood pub is closing.
Walsh took over the pub as custodian with Anthony Hammond in 2006, and built a loyal following to this day. While no longer business partners, they had worked at restaurant and bars in St Kilda’s Prince of Wales Mink and Public Bar, as well stints at The George and The European before they turned The Commercial Club into an iconic spot.
Patrick Walsh spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
Melbourne. I love its melting pot of people, music, sport, food and drink. Melbourne grew me up; I’ll always be grateful for it.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
I’ve known John and Frank Van Haandel since I was a kid, and I always loved upstairs at the Stokehouse. That old building had the magic; it was like my favourite album.
FAVOURITE BAR
If I had one Friday night left on the planet, I would choose to be at the Crown Bar in Belfast drinking Guinness & Bushmills.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
The one constant has been whiskey. Always whiskey. People who know me would agree I’m warm and occasionally sharp.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
My wife says leave the party when you’re having fun.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Bar Suprette, Merimbula; a can of Resches Pilsener and oysters.
FAVOURITE WINE
My wife, Lucy, and I gave some mates a magnum of Billiecart when they got married and they brought it to dinner at Al Dente in Carlton to kick off a great night. That’s what it’s all about.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Leeuwin Estate make benchmark wines and the vineyard has a beautiful aspect.
NEXT DESTINATION
Tokyo is mad. It has so many different neighbourhoods and people there do things right. They just make stuff that works.
https://www.commercialclubhotel.com.au
