13 Cole Street, Williamstown

Ph: 9399 3600

Steam Packet

When?: March 22 2024

Summary:

Proudly acknowledging its 1860s ancestry on the front of the pub, the Steam Packet is a pleasant easy-going pub, with food, drink and staff matching its comfortable way of doing business.

While the outside presents a neat façade, heritage colours, and a stones throw from Nelson Place and the Bay, complete with sitting area for say 25 to go Al fresco, inside has the feel of an Irish tavern. Much happens around the bar, servicing a smaller dining, almost discreet, room, while the main dining room is adorned with prints celebrating Williamstown nautical past.

Stock standard tables and chairs, small kitchen exposed to the rear and table service provided. Uncluttered and uncomplicated.

Pokies: No

TAB: No

And last Sunday was St Patrick’s day and the Steam Packet was a shrine to to the Great Saint, with food, drink, music; the Irish theme throughout. Locals really supported the pub.

Standard menu of favs were tweaked to reflect this. Irish Pizza was topped with Pork sausage, Bacon, Onion (18), Irish Parma, topped with mash, cheese, gravy (28), Beef/Guinness Pie, mash greens (26), with an excellent Chocolate Brownie, whipped Baileys Irish Cream (14) to finish.

Guinness Pints (12), ditto Kilkenny, supported the local Carlton taps. All presented and served well.

Standout was the Irish Stew, (30j , a lovely slow cook with fine mash, veg and greens. Big serve, bread to mop up , a dish lovingly done.

So for the other 364 days, Monday to Sunday, the Steam Packet is a local for the locals to enjoy, meal/drink deals, trivia and of course, sport. Its beloved Williamstown Seagulls the focus as much as any other club from the AFL.

Nine years has passed since a last visit, the Steam Packet ticks over well.

Score: 13.9