Tony Leonard’s favourite pubs of 2024 so far
Press PLAY to hear Tony’s favourite pubs in the second quarter of 2024
It’s time to look back at the second set of pubs reviewed on Tony Moclair’s program, between 1 July until 30 September 2024, and one pub will be included for consideration for De Bortoli’s Pub of the Year.
Sadly two greats of the Melbourne pub scene passed away, totally different backgrounds but clear trailblazers from their times in pubs.
The first is Greg Malouf, who was head chef at the magnificent O’Connells Hotel, Coventry Street in South Melbourne. With an expert touch in Middle Eastern cuisine, Malouf established a fearsome reputation back in the 90s at this pub for a decade.
This was the place to go, and (along with Jose D’Oliviera a restaurateur/publican), was at the forefront of the ‘Gastro Pub’ movement in Melbourne. When everyone in pubs was going ‘Irish’, Malouf was challenging the precepts of pub dining Melbourne.
No surprise, he found fame and accolades here and abroad.
The second is Gerry Lewis, Emerald Hotel. Totally different, but to establish continued success in this most fickle game for 30 years at the one venue, simply put, means he knew plenty about this caper.
The Lewis family continues on, but, as has been stated previously, Gerry, you will be missed.
OBSERVATIONS:
No doubt, the cost of living bites harder than ever. Popular times in pubs – Thursday onwards – are harder to get people in. Trying to plate up a decent meal, employ staff and treat customers to real hospitality is met with insane price rises in utilities, insurance, food costs, staff etc.
Domestically these challenges are starting to overwhelm customers, who simply don’t have the leisure dollars at their disposal.
Covid was tough: sadly tougher times ahead.
HIGHLIGHTS:
This is a quick run through of the pubs from 1 Jul – 30 September: The best (and there’s a stack of beauties) will be considered as 2024 Pub of the Year contenders, joining Home
Hotel, Launching Place, and Petrel in Geelong.
Although in the first quarter our good friends at the Mirboo North are still conducting their gastronomic alchemy on the parmigianas.
Recently, the toppings have included tortellini carbonara and Asian duck and hoisin, brie and red currant.
Be my guest!
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
July 7 – Farmers Arms, Daylesford: Still one of the best looking pubs in Victoria, backed up with great food and service.
Jul 28 – Spread Eagle, Richmond: This is genuinely insignificant in the scheme of things but to be offered dinner rolls (FOC), before the meal is a throwback to a long forgotten age. Solid citizen, well run.
Aug 10 – The Graham, Port Melbourne: Has moved back into a fully operational Port Melbourne pub, rather than a restaurant in hotel. One of the best starters of the year, scallops, mushroom, XO butter is sensational.
Aug 31 – Beehive Hotel, Hawthorn: The team should be justifiably proud. This is a great relaunch of a much loved pub, pitched perfectly at all ages, the Beehive is up to a flying start.
Sep 20 – Five Flags, Campbells Creek: From a listener tip, the Five Flags turned out to be the surprise of the year so-far. Good food, great young staff, the Five Flags, to use a footy term. Is “sneaky good”.
SUMMARY:
The Graham Hotel in Port Melbourne is the pick from a very good lot and will join the Home Hotel and Petrel Hotel for this years honours.
Again my thanks go to Vince Gurcuillo and the team at De Bortoli for the continued support.
The 2024 Pub of the Year will be announced on Tony Moclair’s program in December.