3AW’s De Bortoli Pub of the Week: Lucky Coq, Windsor
Pub: Lucky Coq Hotel
Where: Cnr Chapel/High Sts., Windsor
Phone: 9525 1288
Date: 18 September 2015
Score: 14/20
Internet: www.luckycoq.com.au
OVERVIEW
I’ll go into greater detail under ‘Comments’ but I will go on record thus: There isn’t one like The Lucky Coq in Victoria.
Reimagined on the old Duke Of Windsor site, the LC, so named with a slavish addiction to the Cockerell by way of plates, wall hangings, bric a brac everywhere, this is an eclectic mix n match of vinyl couches, linoleum tables and chairs (you feel you are on set of My name’s McGooley, What’s yours? with John Meillon) to complete the 60s feel.
Set over three storeys, it’s loud, colourful, young and brilliant. The multi coloured exterior looks like a quick working bee from the local primary school – pupils not parents.
But that’s the catch. It intrigues, it challenges you to go in.
And the meals? Pizza. Cheap Pizza. Good pizza. Even at the early time of 7pm on a Thursday, no room downstairs and couldn’t be sure about upstairs.
Popular, simple business. It is a ripper.
PRICE: bistro menu;
Entrees: Pizza – $4-9.9
Mains: Pizza – $4-9.9
Desserts: Pizza – $4-9.9
Wine: Small list – $38/bottle//$9/glass
COMMENTS
If there is a standard size for a suburban medium, then this is what to expect. Most times of the day it is a standard $4 up to a peak of $9.9. And if you are up for a pizza at Midday, or 230am, then you’ll get one.
The choice is numerous, nearing 20 in total. Calamari, mozzarella, chilli/ginger, rosemary oil or Prawns garlic/ginger, bean shoots is $9.9, while napoletana, agnello, salmon, all with various toppings go between 7.9-9.9 but this is maximum price and late on weekends.
There is a range of ‘Iron Pies’ aka Jaffles, at $6, some salads around $7, the highlight is sagnaki with rocket, olives, onions, sun dried tomatoes.
Sweet pizza (nutella naturally) if that’s your thing, but the Lucky Coq is not about the food (important as it is).
This is a pub that has a constant stream from sunrise to set, all at an advertisers dream of 20something.
It is loud music; it is about sitting around with friends and using it as your as the extended living room. Its a cheap feed; It is community, its everything you would want from a pub.
Melbourne Bitter on tap. Now that’s rare. Lovingly looked after, tasted great.
Wine list is straightforward but a Jim Barry Watervale riesling came in around $8.
There isn’t one like this in Melbourne that gets 20 somethings from all over town to here and when you ask your kids they say – Cheap Pizza and drinks.
It really works. Please Have a look.
TRIED:
? Calamari: tomato, mozzarella, calamari coated in garlic – $9.9 – on special $4
? Salcicia festa: lamb & leek sausage, tomato, onion, capsicum, mozzarella, rosemary, oregano – $9.9 – on special $4
? THE L.C Rueben Jaffle of Roasted silverside, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, dijonnaise. – $6
? Jim Barry Riesling – $38//$9. Never misses
SUMMARY:
The execution looks simple enough but rarely is it so.
Why not serve up cheap pizza? Jaffles, a couple of salads, get every old bit of furniture in Melbourne, turn the music up, and let the crowds roll in.
It doesn’t work that way, surely; here it does. Like Formula ‘X’ at Coca-Cola, the team behind the Lucky Coq has a track record of success. (Penny Black, Bimbo Deluxe).
But what’s the secret? $4 pizza, sweet/savory toppings, good tap beer. The crowds, young and younger flock here. I loved it even though I had everyone covered by 30 years.
Grab your son/daughter and go there. Even if it doesn’t cut it, you’ll barely be out of pocket.
Right attitude, right offer: an absolute Melbourne PUB GEM.