Pub Of The Week: Royal Standard Hotel, West Melbourne
333 William St., West Melbourne
Ph: 9328 2295
When?: 9 February 2024
Summary:
The Royal Standard is somewhat hidden from regular passing traffic being located in the ‘back blocks’ of William St at the very northwest end and within 50 metres of the QVM. Yet for a pub so close to town you will get a quizzical look of ‘Where?’ when you ask someone.
The owners of the freehold decided to run the pub around 5 years ago, and have built up a loyal and fervent following akin to the Emerald in South Melbourne.
And with the experience of running large family restaurants, they retain that generosity of spirit in the size of the plate and the fairness in pricing. Solid Italian food is the calling card from start to finish.
The pub has a small and cosy front bar, with some sporting knick-knacks adorning the walls. The beer is well maintained and poured.
A larger dining room with a specials board is the main focus and to be fair there’s nothing remarkable about it (woo but is well spaced, and to the rear, the ever busy kitchen going flat stick
Pokies: No. TAB: No. But in winter, Footy is clearly much discussed.
The A La Carte is an extensive list of Italian comfort food favourites. Pastas, Pizza, Burgers Parma. Steak. A tip? If you are in a group then half the entrees as you will struggle to get through the mains.
The win was the specials board of which any of the seven listed demanded to be tried. Two standouts
were;
- Stuffed Calamari, with mixed seafood and rice, vegetables. $28. The squid was perfectly cooked, expanded to a prehistoric size to accommodate the glorious filling, Including vegetables, this easily feeds 2, but more likely 3. Something novel and a change to your standard calamari offerings in pubs.
- Veal Parmigiana, $31. The real deal, crumbed, bolognaise and mozzarella sit atop, vegetables and again a meal that can be easily shared.
If you’ve still got something left, then one of the house made desserts (Tiramisu, Mascarpone and mixed berry pizza) awaits.
Beer is well served, familiar brands, while the wine list doesn’t venture too far away from pub favourites like Pepperjack, Squealing Pig, Leo Buring.
The pub has a traditional, unassuming façade and inside won’t alter that view. but go in, enjoy, bring the family for e real pub experience.
Score: 14.5