Pub:                       Half Moon Hotel
Where:                 120 Church St., Brighton
Phone:                 9591 0611
Date:                     8 July 2011
Score:                   14.6/20
internet:              www.halfmoon.com.au

OVERVIEW:

Recently re-opened, The Half Moon has gone back to its origins as a pub first,  dining/meeting place second,  in modern  surroundings set out over a couple of levels and in spite of being next to the trainline,  is neatly set up for all seasons, replete with terrific courtyard.

Having been acquired in the (pub ) financial excesses of the mid-2000s, the Half Moon ran out of steam about 18 months ago simply as it priced itself out of the market with a food offer, although fabulous, was simply too expensive.

As well heeled as Brighton is, punters are still punters and in a competitive market, the Half Moon did not offer value to the locals and the inevitable happened.

The bar faces onto Church S., and big wooden tables allow you to spread out.  It serves fabulous draught a $4/pot, with an extensive mix of commercial and craft beers.  The wine list is a good read, 80 or so to choose from, with most brands having a familiar ring.

Moulded plastic chairs and banquette seating are set out in a compact dining room whose imitation log fire provided the warmth on a cold Thursday. Table service is provided.

No TAB/pokies,  but Foxsports is a winner, especially on a Sunday and the live footy is shown.

Modern and inviting, I like the current model, with a reservation or two.

PRICES:

Entrees:               Not really – Pizzas dominate  - $16, or Bar meals - $18
Mains:                  $28
Desserts:             $13
Wine:                    $35+, extensive but not threatening

COMMENTS:

Having made the comment before, please allow for repetition and that is the local pub, in whatever form it takes, must have a community attachment and from what I can gather, the Half Moon has re-connected with the Brightonians.

The food is good pub grub, priced high-ish, but not exorbitant, and, further to the above paragraph, The HM offers a ticket to the local cinema with selected main courses.  You can also dine in the bar from a restricted menu, with a couple of dollars shaved from the main menu.

Wine is a little pricey and pubs have to wise up that in spite of what they may think, the average diner has a feel for what is reasonable:   Cape Mentelle SSB at $11 is overs; depending on the vintage, 389 at $20/glass is up there.

ORDERED:

-Pizza - $16.5 – ‘calabrese crazy’ comprising hot salami, chilli, olives, mozzarella.  Nice mix, generous topping, let down by a thin base that had little give in it

- Three cheese veal schnitzel, mustard coleslaw – $28.  Oh yes, wonderful coating for themeat, the cheeses – haloumi, fetta and parmesan - didn’t compete with each other and mustard coleslaw is THE ubiquitous pub side for 2011.  This came with the movie ticket.  A Bargain.

- Free range Chicken Parma, buffalo mozz, black pig leg ham, Napoli, fries and salad@ $26.5.  High price for a parma but well worth it – rich chook, superior ham, good value IMO.

- Rymill “The Yearling” shiraz -$40.  Fair enough drop, but too pricey

SUMMARY:

Back on track and winning back the disaffected. Whatever pre-conceived notions you may have, Brighton has some good traditional pubs and the Half Moon is that again.  I hope the cellarmaster has a look at the price of the wine list and see if something can be shaved off.

Good service, good buzz.  Expecting this edition of the Half Moon to be around for while.