Published May 9th 2012

The Sherlock Holmes Inn on Collins Street in Melbourne's city centre is a joy of warm woods, tartan fabrics and a delightful array of beers, ciders and wines. The Inn is designed as an ode to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his renowned creations of the Great Detective himself Mr. Holmes, Dr Watson and the deviant Professor Moriarty.Entering the venue down the rich carpeted stairs you come to a classic English pub, which is relaxed in nature with tables and bar stools placed around the cosy venue. On the occasion I visited the basement style pub it was early on Saturday evening, with a healthy crowd but plenty of seating still available. I enjoyed the house chardonnay, while my guests enjoyed a pint of Mountain goat and an Apple cider. All reasonably priced and served with a smile. The chardonnay was crisp with a hint of apple and the cider was tart and refreshing and the mountain goat a taste of fruits.The menu is classic pub grub influenced by British cuisine and includes such items as a variety of salads such as Niçoise, beer battered fish and chips, bangers and mash, beef and vegetarian burgers, pie of the day and a variety of parmas. The wine list is extensive and beers range from Carlton on tap through to more boutique beers like Mountain Goat and Beez neez.The Sherlock offers a range of weekly specials including the seasonal Winter Monday roasts with lamb, pork or beef offerings, Sherlock Trivia Tuesdays hosted by comedian Janet Mcloud with $50 food and drink vouchers and jugs of drinks per round on offer, Wednesdays Parma and Pint for $17 and Thursday and Fridays providing a classic venue for after work drinks and live music on offer with sports on the big screen.The venue can provide private functions on Saturdays and Sundays for between 50 and 120 people. They are able to offer finger food and themed functions for your occasion. The cocktail menu has standard items on offer like spicy meatballs, Mediterranean dips, vegetarian samosas, mini pizzas and party pies. More gourmet items involve salt and pepper squid, a selection of fruits and cheeses and roasted seasonal vegetable frittatas. Five standard items start at $14 a head while gourmet items add an additional $2 a head and cheese platters are $45 a platter.The Sherlock Inn is like stepping back into time with that 'local' feel. It's the style of venue in which you can relax catch up and enjoy the menus array of beverages. I can definitely see myself returning to this British gem.