Pub Of The Week: Tony Leonard’s first-half review for 2023
FIRST-HALF REVIEW
DeBortoli Best Pubs for period 26 January to 16 June 2023
The first half of 2023 for DeBortoli Pub of the Week has thrown up some very interesting offers which confirms the broad spectrum that these individual businesses can provide. And in doing so, there have been some really fine hospitality dished out.
For sure some lingering effects of COVID lockdown – read as staff – still exist, but by and large pub life is never healthier with crowds returning to well run establishments for any form of collective celebration.
It’s obvious that the pub as a last refuge for a quality value night out is harder to find, but more power to those pubs, (in the main all of them) that provide a bang for the Buck mid week with meal and drink deals. There are some wonderful establishments that are putting on fully plated meals and a drink in the low- mid $20s, mid week.
Later in the week, Thursdays onwards, it is full rack rate so expect fully plated decent quality mains closer to the high $30s- low $40s, even with larger venues that have poker machines to support the bottom line.
Curious though is that parity in pricing between commercial draught beer and those that fall into craft (the lines on that are blurred) as price per pot is closer than before. Again there are happy hours aplenty, but in peak times, a pot is sitting around 6.5/7 be it Carlton or Moon Dog.
Finally, the return of the Sunday pub roast is appearing more frequently at venues and good they are too. (Half Moon, Brighton, is a standout). The Pub’s social media pages are a good guide as to how confident its offer is.
In equal measure walk into a pub on Sunday and that will be the best indicator of how its food and drink is received by the locals. Be assured, if it’s easy to get a table and no one is there, then take it to the bank, something is not firing in the kitchen.
Random Highlights
Best Surprise Packet: Greendale Hotel. Just off the Western Highway past the Myrniong turnoff, this is a ripper. Part General Store, Part Pub, Part Function Room, the Greendale is a genuine hub of this small community. Hoping many successful trading years.
Something Different Pt 1: Korean BBQ at the Cambrian Hotel, Bendigo. Anytime driving down King St., Northern end, you will see masses lining up to get into these restaurants. Well done to the team at the Cambrian, and as far as I know, this is the only pub doing this. Expect it to catch on elsewhere in the near future.
Something Different Pt 2. Psychic readings at the Telegraph Hotel, Gisborne. (Any hope of tipping us into the winner at the Ballarat Greys tonight?). Why not, along with Joker Poker and Shazzas Wheel, a wide range of interesting times clearly is had there.
The Showstopper of the First half: Finding the almost extinct Barfly at the Westmeadows Tavern. Johnny knew everything about everyone and had no trouble in providing the staff with his knowledge on running a pub (in spite of the fact he’d never run one). While this may be ho hum to readers, Johnny had been barred from the nearby Skyways Hotel, Airport West. Be assured no one, absolutely no one, has been barred there.
80 year old Johnny was in for a tough time; the manager who barred him was about to take up managerial role at the Westmeadows:
Best Three Pubs (so far) are;
- Junction Hotel, Newport. Fabulous offer on all levels. A proper community pub in this Cub de Sac behind Newport station. Have a sensational Steak Night, Wednesdays ($25, full plate), and a Sunday Roast at same price. These 2 events are always at capacity so book. No Tab/No pokies, just fine hospitality that keeps you coming back.
- George Hotel, Sth Melbourne. Beautiful modern restoration of this pub in the shadows of Sth Melbourne Market. Great food and drink, backed up with staff that goes out of its way to make you feel comfortable. Love the special offer of 3 oysters and a glass of bubbles for $14 on Market day (which was being vigorously taken up by the punters!). No Tab/No pokies. Tip: Warmer weather, sit out in the street and watch the passing parade.
- Pig n Whistle, Main Ridge. Genuine English tavern out the back of Arthur’s Seat on the Mornington Peninsula. From the tavern, to the beer garden, to the Jewellers (yep) to a Shed that does outstanding live music, the pub of many parts stays true to its roots, and like so many pubs on the peninsula, is a brilliant venue to head to in warmer months. No Tab/No Pokies. First time visit and was genuinely surprised how good it was. All topped off with an eccentric owner running the show!
SUMMARY
An opportunity to farewell Peter and Miriam Negrelli, mine hosts of the Railway Hotel, Nth Fitzroy. After 20 plus years of running this home away from home for many Italian migrants, they have handed the lease over to the safe hands of new chums (Northcote Social, Corner, Richmond).
The Railway is a great pub, and many thought that this wonderful family would forever be here. The food on the multi coloured blackboard heavily lent to home style Italian (Osso Bucco, Tripe,) combined with pub favs. All done from scratch with one cook (Miriam) and a couple of helpers. It looked out of the 60s, and thankfully will be retained!
Good luck to you Peter and Miriam.
All pub reviews for the first half of 2023 can be located at:
All correspondence via email is read and when an answer is needed I will get back to you. Please keep writing to me at tony.leonard@nine.com.au