A first-visit guide to Invergordon Bar, our Scottish pub in Melbourne.

You do not need to be Scottish, know whisky or arrive with a group to feel welcome. Say hello, ask if a table is free, order something you like and give the people around you a bit of room. The rest you can pick up as you go.

People can talk about pub etiquette as though there is a secret exam at the door. There is not. Every pub does things a little differently, so this is a practical guide to visiting Invergordon in Docklands, with a few suggestions that make a shared room more comfortable.

Our version is small, warm and built around conversation. You can read more about what makes us Scottish and the tartan around the bar. Neither is an entry requirement.

1. Say hello and check where to sit

If you have booked, let us know when you arrive. If you have not, walk-ins are welcome. Ask before settling into a table if you are unsure whether it is reserved.

An empty table is not always an unbooked table. Most days things can stay flexible, but a later booking may mean we need the space back. If timing matters, ask when you arrive rather than guessing from how quiet the room looks.

Coming with friends at a particular time? Book your table ahead. For a larger gathering or the whole venue, use the group bookings and venue hire information.

2. You can ask what a drink tastes like

Start with the drinks menu, then ask if something is unfamiliar. “I usually drink lager” or “I prefer something less bitter” is enough to get the conversation started.

We pour beer in proper imperial pints. Our pints-only story explains that house choice. There are other drinks on the menu if a pint of beer is not what you want.

The same goes for Scotch whisky. You can ask what a bottle is, what it costs and whether its flavour sounds like your sort of thing. You do not need to pronounce every distillery perfectly. We would rather help you choose than watch you order something you do not actually want.

3. Sort out rounds with your own group

A “round” means one person buying drinks for the group. It can be sociable, but it works best when everyone agrees how it will work. Paying for your own drink is perfectly fine.

Our advice is simple: ask who wants something before ordering, do not assume everybody wants another, and keep the arrangement comfortable for the people involved. A quiet drink should not turn into a maths problem or an obligation.

4. Bring dinner — and what you need to eat it

BYO takeaway is welcome at Invergordon. You organise the food; we look after the drinks. Check our nearby food guide if you are deciding what to bring.

Bring your takeaway packaging, cutlery and anything else you need, because we do not provide plates or cutlery. Keep food and bags within your table space. If you are organising catering for a group, talk to us about the booking so the space suits what you have planned.

5. Come for the company

There are no televisions. That is a deliberate house choice: you can spend the visit talking to whoever came with you, or enjoy your own quiet corner. Our press coverage explains why that choice attracted a fair bit of attention.

If you want to watch a match, this will not be the right room for that part of your night. If you want a catch-up before heading to it, check your timing and our opening hours.

Dogs are welcome inside and outside; see our dog-friendly bar guide. Keep an eye on your dog and ask before introducing them to somebody else. Children are welcome with a responsible adult too.

What kind of visit are you planning?

Your plan	What helps
A quiet drink by yourself	Walk in, say hello and ask where there is space.
A catch-up at a set time	Book a table so we know you are coming.
Your first visit for trivia	Check the Monday trivia details and organise your table.
A birthday or work gathering	Use the group booking information and tell us your numbers.
A drink before another event	Check both the event time and our opening hours.

Monday trivia offers a regular reason to get people together. Our events calendar has the current details, and Happy Hour runs 4–6pm daily with rotating pint specials if an afternoon visit suits.

A wee checklist before you arrive

Check opening hours and any booking details.
Bring cutlery if you are bringing takeaway.
Ask if a table is reserved before claiming it.
Tell us what you like if you want help choosing a drink.
Leave enough room for your neighbours and the people serving you.

First-visit questions

Can I come in on my own?

Aye. You are welcome to visit on your own. You do not have to join a group or strike up a conversation to enjoy the pub.

Do I have to be Scottish?

No. Scottish identity is part of the bar, not a membership test. Locals, visitors and expats are all welcome.

Is tipping or buying a round required?

No. Neither is a condition of being welcome here. Choose your own drink and make any arrangements with your friends clear.

How long can we keep a table?

It depends on demand and other bookings. Ask on arrival; we will let you know if the space is needed later. Exclusive venue hire has an agreed finish time within licensed hours.