Finding a seat in Prahran’s pub scene can be a challenge, especially if you’re looking for a place that checks every box: good food, friendly staff, and plenty of space to settle in for an afternoon session. But The Flying Duck Hotel has long been a go-to for locals chasing that warm, welcoming vibe – the kind of place where you can pull up a chair, order a pint, and let the hours slip away in the beer garden. The team at The Flying Duck has worked hard over the past few years to make this feel effortless – though behind the scenes, it’s anything but. One of their cleverest moves might also be one of the simplest: installing a phone-charging station from Fluro.
“When Fluro first approached us, I wasn’t totally sure about the technology,” says Michael, one of the owners. “But once it was installed, it was a no-brainer. Rather than having customers lock their phones away or keep them behind the bar, they can hire a pop-out power bank right from the station and carry on with their devices in hand. They love it, and since it’s completely self-serve, our staff can focus on what we do best: looking after our patrons.”
That focus on customer comfort is a big reason The Flying Duck has become a neighbourhood favourite. Whether you’re in the mood for a proper sit-down meal, a few casual drinks at the bar, or a lazy weekend session in the beer garden, there’s a spot to suit.
“It all comes down to the customer experience,” says Michael. “We’ve always prided ourselves on creating an environment that feels like home. So, adding something like phone charging might seem small, but it’s one of those little touches that can really enhance a night out.”
Aesthetics also played a role in the decision. “The team at Fluro helped us design a custom timber finish to match our bar. It looks like it’s always been a part of the space. We never wanted our charging solution to stick out awkwardly or detract from the hotel’s ambience, and Fluro nailed the brief.”
Of course, being a pub with strong ties to the community, it helps that Fluro is a local business, too. “They drop by regularly, sometimes have meetings here, and even pop in for a beer or two on weekends,” Michael says. “It’s that boots-on-the-ground support you get when you partner with people who understand how venues like ours operate.”
Twelve months on, he sees the impact every day. “We get customers thanking us for having chargers on hand. Nobody’s worried about running out of battery halfway through a meal or a footy match on screens. It’s an easy, straightforward amenity that often surprises people – in a good way.”
But free-flowing phone power isn’t the only reason to visit. The pub’s food and drink specials are a draw in their own right.
“We do $20 counter meals from Monday to Friday, 12 to 3pm,” says Michael. “It’s a nice way to break up the workday or have a casual lunch meeting in a relaxed, welcoming environment. And if you’re here on a Sunday, our Roast Special is just $25, all day, until it sells out. It’s easily one of our most popular items.”
Between a hearty pub menu, a cosy interior, a sunny beer garden, and the convenience of a phone charging station, The Flying Duck has something for everyone. Whether you’re popping in for a solo drink, bringing the family down for Sunday lunch, or catching up with mates over a counter meal, you’ll find more than enough reasons to linger.
And now, with a year of Fluro under his belt, Michael says the partnership is just part of what makes this iconic local pub tick.
“It’s the small things that make a big difference,” he says. “At the end of the day, that’s what The Flying Duck is all about.”