Business Details
Your Local Pub in Essendon Since 1859
Established in 1859, Cross Keys Hotel in Essendon, Victoria, has become a cornerstone of the local community, offering a unique blend of traditional charm and modern hospitality. Our venue combines a welcoming atmosphere with exceptional service, serving a diverse clientele seeking quality food, drinks, and event spaces. With a rich history spanning over 160 years, we have consistently evolved to meet the needs of our patrons while maintaining our reputation as a trusted local favourite. Our team of experienced hospitality professionals is dedicated to delivering memorable experiences, whether through our award-winning bistro, lively sports bar, or versatile function spaces.We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence, demonstrated by our multiple AHA State Awards for Best Pub Tab - Metropolitan. Our menu features a wide range of dishes, from classic pub fare to contemporary specials, catering to all tastes and dietary requirements. The venue's modern amenities, including 28 live sports screens, a year-round beer garden, and accessible facilities, ensure a comfortable experience for every guest. Through our dedication to quality, inclusivity, and community engagement, we continue to uphold our legacy as Essendon's premier hospitality destination.
Services
Bistro
Sports Bar
Function Spaces
Beer Garden
Live Music
Trivia Nights
Highlights and features
- Award-winning pub with over 160 years of excellence in hospitality
- Accommodate dietary requirements with allergen-friendly menu options
- Versatile function spaces for events of all sizes and occasions
- 28 live sports screens and dedicated TAB facility for sports enthusiasts
- Fully accessible venue with wheelchair access and family-friendly policies
What people say
Staff were amazing
Food was delicious
Perfect space for family
Accommodate food intolerances
Super impressed with meals
Services
Award-Winning Bistro
Our bistro serves fresh, high-quality meals daily from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM. The menu features pub classics, seafood, and special dishes alongside seniors and kids options. Staff accommodate dietary requirements with allergen-friendly choices marked on the menu. Generous portions and exceptional service make it perfect for family gatherings and special celebrations.
Sports Bar
The lively sports bar features 28 screens showing live local and international sporting events. With a modern TAB facility, pool table, and regular trivia nights, it's the ideal spot for sports enthusiasts. The kitchen serves meals until 8:30 PM Friday-Sunday, and the beer garden remains open year-round with outdoor heating.
Function Spaces
Our versatile function spaces cater to weddings, birthdays, and corporate events with tailored packages. The terrace accommodates large celebrations, while smaller rooms suit intimate gatherings. Staff assist with planning and provide necessary equipment like highchairs and wheelchair access. Dietary requirements and special requests are accommodated with advance notice.
Live Music
Monthly live music performances feature local artists every last Sunday from 3 PM to 6 PM. The venue combines great acoustics with a relaxed atmosphere, making it popular with both performers and audiences. Complimentary drinks and food specials enhance the entertainment experience.
Trivia Nights
Weekly trivia nights every Tuesday from 7:30 PM offer fun competition with great prizes. The event attracts regular teams and newcomers alike, creating a vibrant social atmosphere. Participants enjoy discounted drinks and meals during the trivia sessions.
Questions
Can I bring my own birthday cake to a bistro booking?
Yes, you can bring one birthday cake to your booking. We provide cutlery and plates but don't charge extra for this service.
Do you show live sports at the venue?
Yes, our sports bar has 28 screens showing live local and international sporting events. Let staff know if you want specific matches shown.
How do you handle dietary requirements and allergies?
Inform staff when ordering and our chefs will suggest suitable options. The menu includes allergen codes (GF/VG/VO) for easy reference.
What are the child policies at the venue?
Children under 18 must be accompanied by adults. They're allowed in most areas but restricted from the sports bar after 11 PM.
Can I request specific seating arrangements?
Yes, mention your requirements when booking via phone or OpenTable. We accommodate requests for large tables, wheelchair access, and highchairs.
Is there disabled access available?
Yes, the venue has wheelchair access with a lift. Contact us directly on 03 9379 7477 to make accessibility bookings.
Reviews (7)
Julie Bertjab
Dec 19, 2021
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Beautiful old pub with so much character and superb food, excellent service and real charm, a singer at the electric organ was a real treat. I visited today for a late lunch and had the most flavoursome roast beef, it was wonderful. Dog friendly and really lovely staff who deserve praise for bespoke service skills. First time in Saffron Walden and so impressed I will be back.
Margaret Nice
Dec 14, 2021
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We had pre-booked our Christmas meal as we thought, but when we got there we were told we should have booked what we wanted to eat. We were never told that when we booked!!! Needless to say, we never stayed, and got a lovely meal else where. Wouldn't recommend this place!!
Eliza Toplis Toplis
Dec 11, 2021
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This is a beautifully warm and cosy, historically interesting pub with timbered interior and log fires.
Sadly the menu doesn't live up to the general ambience of the place - although cooked well, it is limited and uninspired.
Sadly the menu doesn't live up to the general ambience of the place - although cooked well, it is limited and uninspired.
Craig W.
Dec 11, 2021
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A deceptively large pub, friendly and helpful staff, decent beer on tap. I had a party party christmas ale, which was ery nice. My only slight negative was the toilets, the toilets on their own were really clean and spacious, but getting there was a slight struggle, being at the very end of the pub, you open a door and the narrow staircase leading up to it, there is very little room to manouver in, me being very tall didn't help matters, but this is of course because of the age of the building so it isn't a fault of the pub at all.
David Hipson
Oct 20, 2021
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Sunday 17th October - Lovely beautiful pub. Waitresses were fatastic dealing with our group of 8 noisy people. My only criticism was that the sharing platters did not have enough food on them, better to order single meals !!
Rachael Pedersen
Oct 08, 2021
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Top marks 5! Finally somewhere that can do a decent camembert. In fact, likely the best camembert I have ever had! Very dog friendly, the staff bought over treats and water to our table for little Bluebell. Tables cleaned super quickly after other diners left, and the staff were so polite and attentive, they were cheerful and professional. Cannot fault them. The whole place was clean, atmospheric and very charming indeed. The best pub/restaurant we have been to in a very long time. Superb food. Perfect service. What is not to love?
Roy Moore
Jul 20, 2021
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It was lovely sitting in such an old building. The staff were very polite. We only had a coffee but it was a nice cup. I expect that food is good but you will pay a high price for it
