The Schooner Revolution: Victorian Pubs Embrace the Northern Beer Glass
Victorian pubs are undergoing a transformation, with many now offering schooners as the go-to beer glass. This shift away from traditional pots and pints is reshaping the drinking experience, but who benefits more: the venues or the customers?
The Changing Landscape of Beer Glasses
For decades, the classic 'pot or pint?' question dominated Victorian pubs. But now, the schooner is gaining popularity, especially in New South Wales, where it's the preferred glass for beer. Melbourne's iconic The Espy in St Kilda has ditched pots, serving only schooners and pints.
Venue manager Ben Burgess explains, "We serve schooners and pints as they've been the most popular choices." While he doesn't disclose the exact timing, it's clear that the shift towards schooners is on the rise.
The Schooner's Sweet Spot
In Australia, beer glasses follow the imperial system. A pint is 570 milliliters, a pot (or middy) is half that, and a schooner, at 425 milliliters, sits in the middle. Victoria has traditionally favored pots and pints, but NSW has long shunned pints in front bars. This state-line distinction is fading, with more Victorian pubs offering three glass sizes.
The Orrong Hotel in Armadale has seen schooners become the top-selling choice since at least 2022, according to venue manager Nathan Thompson. "Pots are small, pints are too large, and the schooner is the perfect size," he says. Other pubs, like the Ascot Vale Hotel and the Builders Arms in Fitzroy, have also embraced schooners, dropping pints.
Customer Preferences and Practicalities
New neighborhood bar-restaurant Daphne in Brunswick East offers both schooners and pots. Drink list creator Sam Peasnell notes, "Schooners stay colder for longer, and they account for 85% of our sales. Pints might dip slightly in sales, but schooners still outperform them."
The Great Northern Hotel in Carlton North, while not serving schooners, often hears customer requests for them. Venue manager Dale Giroud agrees with the size choice, citing the warmer climate and the fact that a pint can warm up quickly.
The Practical Advantages of Schooners
Cold beer from the tap always tastes better, giving schooners an edge over pints, especially on hot days. However, pots require more frequent trips to the bar, which can be inconvenient in busy venues.
Price Considerations
Pints may become less appealing to price-conscious consumers as beer prices rise. James Smith, editor of The Crafty Pint, observes that craft brewers are switching to four-packs instead of raising six-pack prices. He believes the schooner may offer a similar psychological benefit, making it feel like a better value despite the smaller volume.
Typically, pots of Carlton Draught cost $7 to $8.50 in Melbourne pubs. If venues set schooner prices accordingly, they should be around $10.50 to $12.75 (1.5 times the pot price). A price check at eight Melbourne pubs found charges between $10 and $12.30, a strategy to keep customers happy as pot prices rise.
Smith concludes that while the pot won't disappear, Victoria will likely stick with a three-glass system. He attributes the shift to changing customer preferences and the desire for a better drinking experience.
