Pub Of The Week: The Penny Black, Brunswick
420 Sydney Road Brunswick
Ph: 7037 8008
When?: March 15 2024
Summary:
One of a number of Melbourne hotels that started life in a building whose foundations not rooted in hospitality, the Penny Black has made a fine transition from Post Office to popular pub over many years.
This is a bankable, steady-as-we-go pub, serving the right grub at very fair prices, the right drinks at very fair prices with a package of friendly hospo that appeals to all ages.
In its own deprecating manner, the Penny Black says of its food, the commentary it tends to get is its ‘way better than I expected’ from the punters.
The wonderful brick PMG building has a glorious look inside, be it the highest of ceilings regulating the temperatures, the disco mirror ball hanging unobtrusively, the smallish stage for live events, through to a massive beer garden that can be be adjusted to suit any occasion. And the footy always going in the colder months.
Pokies: No
TAB: No
Trading Wednesday to Sunday, the Penny Black offers a mix of food deals (Sundays $20 for all pub classics is a beauty), cheaper drinks, Drag Trivia, Live music.
Modern offer; Traditional appeal.
And a lovely touch on a brutally hot Sunday came with no charge for the soft drink for the driver. It was appreciated.
- Share plates offer Calamari, hibachi grilled, w/ nduja, parsley, lemon, garlic (16), Cauliflower Popcorn, salsa verde, (16), and Texas Chicken Tenders, chilli mayo (19.5), tried and had a genuine kick to them. Good serve. Popular pizza varieties average at $21, and the pub mains/classics are familiar to millions with a Parma $28, Burger $26.5, Fish and Chips $27. (Sundays $20).
The standout was a 250g O’Connor Porterhouse, C&S, sauce for $34. This quality at this price is rarely found from one of Australia’s best producers.
As competitive a suburb for the leisure dollar anywhere in Australia, to carve out your own territory in Brunswick is no mean feat, so more power to the owners of The Penny Black.
Good, likeable hospitality in spades here.
SCORE: 13.5