Licensed since 1856 as the Napoleon Third Inn before later taking the Railway Hotel name, this Ferrars Street pub is one of the older continuously operating hotels in South Melbourne. Ownership and management have changed hands many times over the hotel's history, but the building retains much of its original character, including two open fireplaces that stay lit through the colder months. The Railway Hotel operates as a proudly independent, family-run pub, serving a menu of modern Australian pub food alongside a reasonably priced wine list and a full range of beers on tap. Wednesday's Steak Night is a long-running fixture with regulars, and the kitchen also turns out a well-regarded steak and Guinness pie and weekly specials that change with the seasons. What sets the Railway apart from many inner-city pubs is its beer garden, one of the largest in South Melbourne, which draws a steady crowd on sunny afternoons and is dog friendly for those bringing a four-legged companion along. Inside, the venue splits into a busier front bar and a quieter back dining room, giving visitors a choice depending on whether they're after a lively pint or a sit-down meal. The pub also hosts private functions, engagement parties and corporate bookings, drawing on its history and generous outdoor space to cater for groups of various sizes.