Pubs Of The Month: 2009 - Quarter Two
May's Best: Swallows Hotel (Rubiras)
This was a belter of a month with a narrow margin going to Swallows over the Builders Arms. Both are great pubs, both do great high end food while not straying from the pub feel, but Swallows gets the nod. John Rubiras’ praises are sung loudly enough, but it is the layout and feel of Swallows that makes socialising there even better. You can sample some of his work at the bar (and at a cheaper rate) and get an idea why such a fuss is made of John.Try the whitebait fritters which appear on both menus. But the elements of running a successful pub are not forgotten; the beer is exceptional for one. The only drawback is that it can get a little cramped moving from spot to spot, which is precisely what running a successful pub is all about. Read the review by clicking the image.
June's Best: Canadian Bay Hotel
It doesn’t look like a pub; more a large Bayside bistro, but once you go inside it is unmistakeable that this is the type of local you would crave for on the Peninsula. Still somewhat a work in progress, (carpets to sit atop the sealed floors), it aims higher with the kitchen being allowed to showcase their talents, rather than run to the bleeding obvious. (Their take on a sweet chiili sauce on the prawns don’t come from a bottle!!). Split level dining, attentive friendly service, fireplace, it is easy to become comfortable; music played a sensible level. Hallelujah!! The seafood platter for 2 (feeds 3 comfortably) compares favourably with any other you may have sampled. I doubt whether there’s many better pubs in that part of the world.
July's Best: Railway Club Hotel
The pub is always at, or near, capacity. The Bistro is pricey enough and wine prices are no spoil. So why does this pub, year in/out work? It is the pub epitome of KISS. Simple things, executed well and never underestimate the I-know-what-I’m-getting-there-factor. Steaks, salad, chips, red wine. Over the years that order is repeated many times there and over such a timeframe who knows how many tonnes of beer or litres of red have been consumed. They reach a consistency that word of mouth is their marketing ally. The Bistro always looks pub great; the bar is a ripper and it is in there that the food pricing represents real value.
August's Best: Steam Packet Hotel
Much understated refurbishment on this historic pub has seen it rise from the dead in my opinion. Owner/operators who try to embrace the locals (and let’s face it, you are awash with opportunities in Williamstown) and also spread their wings for a wider reach, normally satisfy one, but not the other half. Here, a good mix of interesting food, good beer and hospitality make it a welcoming every-person hotel, in an area, until recently, was big on numbers but short on substance. Try the barramundi spring rolls, one of the best entrees of the year, or go and have an ale after a trip around this beautiful, historic suburb.
