Jacqui Felgate reviews: The Kingston — ‘takes you back in time… but only for the best bits’

You know those retro dishes that went out of fashion? The ones from your childhood that bring back so many great memories, but they’re just not on the menu anymore? Well, at The Kingston in Richmond they are. And they’re done so, so well.

The Kingston Hotel is 168-years-old, it’s one of Melbourne’s grand old pubs. It’s had a rather expensive facelift and the old girl is looking fabulous.

The open fireplace remains, cosy couches and lounge chairs are the perfect spot to while away the afternoon.

I enjoyed a Bloody Mary and a glass of Riesling Freak (who isn’t!) before heading down to Marble & Pearl, the Kingston‘s 95-seat dining room.

The space is gorgeous and there are plenty of horseshoe booths to settle in for a great night. We started with a classic prawn cocktail, from a menu that focuses on meat and seafood.

Juicy prawns are poached in crustacean oil and sit in a high glass on a bed of shredded cos lettuce and avocado mousse ($28). It’s old school and it’s delicious.

We enjoyed the marrowbone in miso – scooping out the rich inside and spreading onto chewy chargrilled toast. ($22) The highlight of the night was the beef Wellington. Why did we stop eating beef Wellington? Well, it’s back and it’s one of the best dishes I’ve had in a long time. Melt in your mouth medium rare eye fillet is encased in a truffle and mushroom duxelle, prosciutto and fluffy puff pastry. HEAVEN. It was $68 dollars and more than enough for two people. Sauces include red wine jus, mushroom, blue cheese and bearnaise.

We went all out on the sides… mac and cheese with truffle and lobster, because why not? ($28) We also enjoyed some green beans for balance.

Other retro classics I want to try next time include lobster with gruyere cheese and fillet mignon surf and turf… lobster tail, grilled prawns or Alaskan king crab. Marble and Pearl takes pub dining to the next level. It’s comfortable and sophisticated and it takes you back in time… but only for the best bits.

Pro tip: some of the hits from Marble and Pearl are also on the bar menu if you fancy a more casual atmosphere.

The Kingston
55 Highett St, Richmond
thekingston.com.au
9428 5841

See Jacqui’s other reviews HERE.