Love Shack

13.5/20Updated September 24, 2026,first published October 27, 2025Love Shack Brewing CoPub dining$Proving the best country pubs are no longer the oldest.You wouldn’t think there’d be any need to create a pub in a gold rush town like Castlemaine, where streets feature many handsome watering holes. Yet Love Shack has sprouted up, a brewery-turned-public bar complete with Australiana prints, sport on TV, timber panelling and swirly carpet. And locals are loving it. Mushroom vol-au-vents, boosted by parmesan cream and a jaunty tangle of balsamic-dressed frisee, are a welcome dose of misty-eyed nostalgia. Chef Joel Baylon is a Castlemaine boy who left 20 years ago and shook the pans at fine diner Aru and The Moon wine bar. Now he’s pleasing crowds with gooey scotch eggs and Sunday roasts.The local butcher prepares cuts such as the Barnsley chop, and patties for diner-style cheeseburgers. From footy tipping to BYO vinyl nights, there’s so much happening, it’s hard to imagine ever staying in.Good to know: Love Shack beers stick to old favourites, rather than wacky and attention-grabbing brews.Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.Sign upLast visited: August 2025More:CastlemaineLove Shack Brewing CoVictoriaPub diningAccepts bookingsFamily-friendlyGood for groupsLicensedLong lunchOutdoor diningWalk-ins onlySeparate barVegetarian-friendlyGluten-free optionsPokies-freeBreweryPubReviewsGood Food GuideFrom our partners