The Phoenix, Victoria  

From what was until recently a rather poor and unfriendly back street boozer, the appropriately named Phoenix has been given a new lease of life. Gone is the microwaved fodder and poorly kept ale and in has come a far more gastro affair. The decor is light and airy - but not antiseptically so - and the rear patio is charming. As with most places in the area, it fills up with office workers at the usual times. Unfortunately all the hard surfaces make it pretty hard to talk at a reasonable volume when it's busy and on these occasions we prefer to drink elsewhere. Still, lunchtimes and afternoons can be quite pleasant here.