Press PLAY to hear Tony Leonard’s full review

Quarterhouse

Where: 693 Collins St, Docklands

Phone: 8563 0075

Internet: quarterhouse.com.au

SCORE: 13.7/20

AUGUST 8

VENUE: Brand spanking new in the Melbourne Quarter, directly across the road from Southern Cross station (south side), the Quarterhouse is the latest venture from the hospitality behemoth, Australian Venue
Company (AVC).

The multi storey pub represents a departure from AVC’s traditional M.O by building rather than acquisition of existing, and a fine job has been done too.

All timber fittings, sealed concrete, perimeter tables to spread out and watching the passing Collins St pedestrian traffic, brown leather booths, the beauty here is that dividing into function/private spaces is a breeze. Street level does the heavy lifting, seven days a week.

Up a floor is the rooftop, set out like a quasi beach resort, and in summer will dominate. Long lunches, live music will be an essential part of the fabric of Quarterhouse.

Sunday trivia, Sunday roasts, free pool Monday, it cannot be said that this pub is not having a crack to bring people into the CBD at times where the ‘burbs beckon louder.

The food is comfortable, a bit pricey pub grub ($6/oyster, hmmm).

From the smaller plates, around eight to choose from is a good variety, e.g. BBQ chilli fried chicken wings ($23), blue cheese mayo, and beef sliders (3/$23), bacon, blue cheese mayo, pickled onion were in most demand.

Mains cover all bases from crab spaghetti, ($39) pickled chilli, lemon, capers; chicken parma, fully plated (C&S) $32, spiced half roast chicken ($39) hummus, chickpeas, peppers goats cheese, couscous. Sunday roast is $35.

TAB: No
Pokies: No

Beer is well looked after, Carlton tanks adorning the ceiling, with support from a variety of independents. Wine, too, is pricey, Mountadam ‘5-50’ Chard enjoyed but steep at $16.5/gl//$77/btle.

HIGHLIGHT/S: Pan fried barramundi, $39, salsa verde, cavolo nero, cabbage, lemon. Fine fleshy barra, good sized tile, crisp, healthy if not similar veg in support.

Just needed a serving of chips (included on plate and not separate price) to knock it out of the park.

Something Different to Eat: “Old School” fried mushrooms, Pedro Ximinez braised, garlic aioli ($21).

Plentiful bowl of well seasoned, tasty ‘shrooms’ perfect with a cold Carlton D ($12/schooey). Good match.

Surcharges: Yes on cards (about 1.5 per cent) //unknown for public holidays.

Summary: In maintaining a belief that there are specific CBD pubs (native to this precinct only), the Quarterhouse fits perfectly into this brief.

Summarised thus, CBD pubs are a place to catch up for a short while, have a pub feed while getting back to work for the P.M, and time is of the essence.

No dish is overthought, but has a pleasing, all persons appeal, and above all, is easy to catch up with friends.

What is to be applauded is the commitment to having this as an after hours, late night go-to, with attendant DJs and cocktails at the ready.

My issue is the starting point for a beer is a schooner (425ml): No pots, yet responsible drinking is loudly and visibly proclaimed. Hmmm.

Also, the growing trend of ferocious wine per gl/btle pricing is gathering steam, with upwards of a 60 per cent GP margin per bottle on full retail common not only here but widespread.

Message to all: It’s a pub, please remember that.

Sermon over and back to this venue. Only operating for a few months, Quarterhouse is off and long running.