Pub of the Week review: The Local, Port Melbourne
PUB: The Local.
WHERE? 22-24 Bay Street, Port Melbourne.
PHONE: 9380 1752
SCORE: 13/20
WHEN? June 24, 2016.
WEB: www.thelocalportmelbourne.com.au
VENUE
First review. Compact, comfy boozer at the beach end of Bay Street, the Local is very much in look and feel of a British Tavern that does a good, safe line in food and drink set out over 2 levels.
Small booths – with a personal Foxsports, great multi angled bar to stand around, leather seating for the larger derriere, makes for a comfortable time.
The pub has some nightly food and drink specials, and has a successful trivia night.
Prices are right for good solid pub grub, but the cost of wine, for such a small pub pitching local and uncomplicated, is overs. Sunday roasts, ($19), kids eat free on weekends, cash jackpots for locals make up a traditional offer.
There is no doubt that the face and culture of Port Melbourne has changed for good so this is a nice acceptable throwback to an era past.
MENU
Nothing to frighten you off with nice mix of pub favourites, burgers, pasta, chicken. A bargain is the 250g Porterhouse ($27), which is reduced on Thursdays to $14.90.
The pub prides itself on its Parmas and does a special for all of them reduced to $15 on Thursday with 7 to choose from. Entrees $12, Mains $23, Desserts $10.
TRIED
Chicken Parma (normally $23) special $15. Good. Good bargain this one.
Plenty of Chook, around 200g, cooked evenly, even handed kitchen sees all flavours mesh, chips/salad at this price – and even full whack – was good shopping.
Steak Sanga – $19. Ok. Lettuce, tomato, cheese, aioli, arrives on good bread and while there was enough (150g), some of the meat was stringy and tougher than it should be. Better value elsewhere (refer below).
250g Porterhouse, chips salad. (normally $27) – $14.90. Good. Bargain. Again full whack on a special Thursday. Meat was cooked as ordered, the salad and chips fine.
DRINKS
Mix of local (Lion but no Carlton D) and crafts. Little Creatures IPA – $6.50/pot – was well presented. Wine prices are stiff. Rymill ‘The Yearling’ Cab Sav was $46/bottle.
Safe option at lunch but the prices is overs.
SERVICE AND STYLE
Owner/operators give personal touch, the pub has sport via Foxtel, but no TAB or Pokies.
SUMMARY
The Local does a nice steady line that neither over/underwhelms. It is a straight up and down pub with no frills.
I’m always interested when any venue is touted as one for the locals. (in the same way the expression Uni pub is applied).
Port Melbourne locals? Good luck on trying to stereotype the new breed in the Borough.