Preston’s cocktail bars scene is multicultural, working-class charm, evolving — and the cocktail bars reflect it. Whether you want a quiet midweek drink or a full Friday night, there are options that don’t require leaving the suburb. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Gus Larder gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The spirits selection rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($17-23). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Blue Cellar — 263 Plenty Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-1am Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Blue Cellar doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The snack menu is the draw. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. The Urban Kitchen — 188 Plenty Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $17-23
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than Gus Larder — maybe 50 people before it feels packed — but that’s part of the appeal.
What makes it work is the attention to detail. The glassware is considered, the ice is proper, and the bartenders actually taste what they make before serving. The tap list rotates every two weeks with a Victorian-only policy. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: A glass of the pet-nat ($17-23). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Charlie’s Bistro — 265 Plenty Road
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $17-23
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The loaded fries are the move.
The drinks list complements the food — an approachable wine list that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: The burger with their house lager — simple and perfect. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Hazel’s — 222 Bell Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $17-23
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the laneway entrance creates an atmosphere the others can’t match. It’s the place to bring someone you’re trying to impress, or to photograph, or both.
The drinks list is short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to bar snacks and a single dessert option but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gus Larder | Overall best | $17-23 | Yes | Weekends |
| Blue Cellar | Quiet drink | $17-23 | Yes | Occasionally |
| The Urban Kitchen | New & trendy | $17-23 | Snacks only | No |
| Charlie’s Bistro | Food + drinks | $17-23 | Full menu | Fri |
| Hazel’s | Atmosphere | $17-23 | Limited | Acoustic sets |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays.
Getting there: Preston/Bell stations, tram 86. Don’t drive on Friday/Saturday nights — parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: None of these are bottle-service-and-bouncers. Clean casual everywhere. Hazel’s skews slightly smarter but won’t turn away anyone in jeans.
Age check: All venues are 18+. Bring ID if you look under 25 — they will ask.
Nearby
- Thornbury Cocktail Bars
- Preston Restaurants — eat before or after
- Preston Things to Do
- All Preston Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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