Pub:                 Redesdale Hotel

Where:            2640 Kyneton-Heathcote Rd

Phone:             5425 3111
Date:               28 January 2011

Score:             14.5/20
internet:           www.theredesdale.com.au

OVERVIEW:

Terrific, understated, country pub.  Really clever, interesting, sharp pub food from a small menu of 6 entrees, 8 mains, 5-6 desserts.

The Redesdale endeavours to source as much from local regions and why not?

Bendigo, Kyneton, Heathcote are neighbours. Garden out the back of the pub provides much of the supply of vegetables.

Dining on the shaded verandah, on school tables straight out of the 50’s was a pleasure on a warm Australia day 2011.  Table service provided, water, bread, local olive oil and cloth napkins are the value add.

PRICES:

Entrees:             $15 – 18, but clearly superior to most you will find listed.

Mains:              $25-30.  Superior, local produce

Desserts:           $11-12.  All made in kitchen,

Wine:               $35-38.  Heavily Heathcote/Bendigo from smaller vineyards,

COMMENTS:

What a great country pub, around 75-80 minutes from town.  I suspect in an earlier time, it was the stop off for a slab and a quick pot on the way to Eppaloch, but now has focussed in on local food and wine.  It is not a high end “gastro” pub, but what it serves is wonderful, well thought out pub grub.  The small bar, with its old world charm has a choice of 5 or so bar meals e.g., local snags, burger, calamari, and priced mid teens.  The draught beer on tap was fine. Indoor dining room is bright, well spaced and comfortable, while the verandah provides another dining option.

ORDERED:

• Redesdale share plate - $17.  Plenty for 2 with sliced duck sausage, pickled vegetables, mushrooms, local sourced olives, pieces of smoked trout, a yabbie  (well it was Australia day) and 6 cubes of feta.  Nice start, with the luscious rich sausage and sharp pickled vegetables a good match,
  
  
•  Corn feed chicken breast, potato puree, smoked cherry tomatoes and hazelnut jus @ $25.   This was a winner, simply as the chook was superior, and had a point of difference with the hazelnut.  Filling and tasty,
  
  
• Pan fried crispy skin Atlantic salmon with a warm nicoise salad @ $27.  Great fish, smart salad, again a superior offering,

• Silent Range Sav Blanc (Strathbogies) - $8/glass/38 bottle.  This is how this omni-present grape should taste.  Not too sweet and had an earthy depth to it.  Very good drinking

SUMMARY:

First time visit but I see why it is popular.  The pub doesn’t rush its food service but the wait is worth it.  The drawback is the drive, so maybe on a weekend may be the go if you are inclined to visit. Live music on a Sunday afternoon is another attraction.  Good start to the year.