The
‘Great Aussie Pub’ meal is an institution, the bar meal,
the counter meal, the lounge, the bistro, call it what you will, and eat it
where you like, meals in pubs have changed, and in the most part for the
better.
There is some truly great food served in
pubs these days. So, you don’t have full
service, and mostly have to order at a counter or at the bar. The décor might
not be fancy, and the seating maybe basic, but if you want some good honest
food at reasonable prices, and in most cases a good sized serve, then here are
my top five so far reviewed and in no particular order:-
The
Marlo Hotel – Marlo: Take a leisurely drive down to where the
Snowy meets the sea, and you will pass this old pub (it’s been around for over
130 years) set high above the estuary with commanding views, especially as the
sun sets on a balmy summer evening. The outside deck makes the most of this
view which is almost as good during a long lunch, looking over the sand dunes
and ocean beyond. The food is varied and plentiful and I recall, “Our meals were generous and when mixed with
the home-made bread infused with garlic butter made for a simple but enjoyable
tasty lunchtime break. The bread is worthy of special mention, and the platter
of samosas, mini spring rolls, prawn trumpets, and ringed calamari served with
dipping sauces was a mix of nibbles enjoyed all the more with that garlic cob
loaf. Meals were served in good time and good value for money by a happy bunch
of staff up for a quick chat and made for a friendly inviting atmosphere.” What
more do you need, worth the trip, you owe it to yourself.
The
Old Pub – Paynesville: Another long serving Gippsland establishment, this
one is right opposite the famous Raymond Island Ferry Terminal. So having been
over to the island and watched the Koalas feast on gum leaves, it’s your turn
to sample the local delights (minus the gum leaves)! With new operators, well new when I visited in
January 2017, the menu provides plenty of choice, from the old favourites to
something more “up-market”. I visited
with some old friends who are discerning regulars and we all enjoyed our
experience. I wrote, “Good old Aussie Pub Grub here, the menu is
extensive with specials, such a choice it may take you some time to decide on your
faire. I would have loved the mixed
grill, a much loved rarely on menus these days.
All the usual’s with both red and white meats, fish and vegetarian dishes
all included. The seafood platter for one, if its presentation was anything to
go by was awesome, or to quote its owner
“sensational”! Oysters, scallops on a skewer, fresh prawns, and battered
calamari and with a large piece of crispy battered gummy. Yup…sensational, no
complaints, none at all. Take time to browse this menu, well thought out to
cater for all tastes.” Maintaining
the good old Aussie Pub food reputation.
The
Central Hotel – Lakes Entrance An icon of Lakes Entrance set midway along the Esplanade and with
the front lake (Cunninghame Arm) opposite across the road. Catering for groups and functions as well as
the individual, couples, and family groups. It is a local watering hole but the
bistro is set apart also with seating outside. Being my local, I have enjoyed
many a lunch and evening meal here. My review included, “Value with a view – ideal spot for lunch or dinner. A varied wide ranging
“Australian” menu with a chef’s specials board for lunch and dinner, local
produce used as a preference. Seafood
and steaks are a specialty with some “local specials”. A very versatile venue providing good value
for money meals. Service is friendly, meals are generous so be hungry. Alfresco
dining on the verandas is a great way to spend an evening.” Things haven’t changed since my last
visit a few months ago and I am looking forward to another visit.
The
Mitchel River Tavern – Bairnsdale: A
lovely old pub in the main street of Bairnsdale just as you enter from the
East. A recently revamped interior belies the old pub façade. But enough of the
building what about the food I hear you ask?
My review, written after a hasty and totally unplanned lunch, ( the boss
wanted to go shopping!), included, “ Traditional pub - traditional pub fare
with a twist of modern Aussie combinations. Ok , an old favourite, a chicken
Parma. This has a “half serve” option listed on the menu, I quickly found out
why. I had ordered a full serve, and that is exactly what I was served. A huge well-cooked juicy Parma with a
generous zesty tomato topping covered with another generous serve of mild well
sliced ham, to top it off, fully covered in a well melted and just slightly
browned cheese which was dripping down the sides. It restored my faith in this Aussie favourite
served with a green mixed salad and thick cut chips which were crispy on the
outside and fluffy in the middle. Take
heed of the half serve options if you are a small eater, I failed to do so and
regretted leaving so much on the plate, some readers will not believe that but
it is true!” There are separate
lunch and dinner menus here, never judge a good book by its cover, the exterior
may be old fashioned but the food is up to date.
The
Buchan Caves Hotel – Buchan An old pub in young clothes, a tragedy when
the original was burnt to the ground, but rising from those ashes is a bright
light take on an old style country pub. It does the job well and provides a
choice of eating out overlooking the Buchan valley across the road or eating
inside this modern interior but still reliving the golden oldie days. When I reviewed this pub, it was packed, not
only with locals but with two large and separate groups who had all pre booked.
It was a real test of the operators and still they came up trumps. I wrote that “A bit flash may be, but it is not your average Aussie pub. Built after an amazing crowd funding appeal, The
Buchan Caves Hotel is breathing life again.
Aussie pub style pub grub with most of the favourites there, including
Schnitzels, Chicken Kiev and “Cluck Oink Swim”, you work it out ! A good range of eight toppings for the old
favourite chicken or beef “Parma” and with seafood dishes sourced from the
Lakes Entrance “Wild Catch”. Not cheap
eats but reasonable value versus quantity/quality.” For location and a
modern pub with a certain rustic charm about it, it is well worth taking a trip
out to Buchan and stopping for a lunch, or perhaps an evening meal on the way
home. But take my advice, book ahead!
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