You don’t go to a pub to eat salad. Unfortunately for vegans, it’s often their only choice. The Cornish Arms is refreshingly different. The convivial staff welcomes vegans with hearty, moreish, traditional pub-fare.

The house favourite consists of “cheez”, “facon” and tomato sandwiched between two southern-fried mock-chicken fillets, served with mashed potatoes, gravy and slaw. The vegan souvlaki is also a standout choice.

The Cornish wasn’t always like this. Before chef Lloyd Kembrey joined the team, it was a stock-standard pub. Kembrey introduced the vegan-friendly menu after acquiring expertise at the East Brunswick Club. He also oversees a lengthy meat-friendly menu, divided into mains, burgers, pizzas and snacks. Our tip? The 14-hour smoked beef ribs.

The afternoons entice nearby RMIT students in for jugs poured from one of 12 taps at the polished timber bar. They’re often the first to start filling the mural-dominated beer garden. Upstairs, there’s a well-sized rooftop bar with city views and its own cocktail and snack menu.

Local families and couples generally arrive later. The friendly table service makes the atmosphere warm and if you’re lucky, the choc-peanut-butter cheesecake will be the dessert special.