More of a gastro pub than a beer imbibing one, the Lock’n’Load is a cosy laid back all-in-one place to enjoy a drink, a meal, sit in a tranquil little beer garden or admire some art – the type of spot that every neighbourhood would love to have.

Located in an 1880’s weatherboard building that was the first commercial tenancy in West End and in past lives a pharmacy and a general store, there is something of an old saloon bar about the downstairs while upstairs a bullnosed verandah is the place to kick back and watch the street life below.

The intimate and lively front bar has a Cheers vibe to it by day and when musos get playing their gigs the whole place gets hopping.

The food isn’t half bad either – generous servings of good pub grub such as burgers, eye fillet and pastas.