Pub of the Week: Friendly Societies Hotel, Abbotsford
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Friendly Societies Hotel
Where: 228 Langridge St, Abbotsford
Phone: 0483 367713
Internet: www.friendlysocietieshotel.com.au
SCORE: 14.4/20
JULY 24
VENUE: The original name for this pub – Friendly Societies (TFSH) now operates in place of its former calling card – Carringbush Hotel. After two years of closure but almost a decade of acrimony, TFSH has seamlessly taken up the baton from the former operators and off to a great start.
Really this pub is a blue chip/acme/local boozer, set out in leafy Langridge, with everything (nearly) as you may remember, including the shudder from the overhead Clifton Hill line train when you are in the main dining room.
New folk have taken block and why this incarnation will have a long run is their credits include the Cherry Tree (Cremorne), retreat (Abbotsford). In short, they know HOW to do it.
The wonderful front bar greets first; room with space either side to enjoy one. Through to a smaller ‘ante’ room, couches and fireplace, with the exposed brick, rectangular dining room, the highlight, well set out and seating maybe 60.
Above all, the warmth and comfort of an inner city local shines through. Thankfully this pub lives on and a toast to its long term health: Friendly Societies Hotel.
MENU: Short, punchy, laconic. TSFH has only been trading for a short period and so what is displayed now for your consideration will be more expansive in 2027 and beyond. However, the offer is more than satisfactory.
Half a dozen starters, highlighted a belter of a bargain – six oysters, shallot mignonette, $20. Fri-Sunday. Gochujang chicken, pickled cabbage, iceberg is $16 and like all meals, well portioned.
Mains run a familiar route, of parma/burgers with three pizza expanding the mains. The classic chicken parma is a thing of beauty ($29). Blackboard specials may include a clam chowder ($16), or a big serve of Portarlington mussels, flatbread, $24.
A ‘Beer League Ladder’ proudly sits on a wall near the bar, outlining your of 18 taps from Carlton D ($8), to Sailors Grave Draught ($9), to 3806 IPA to Warrandyte Dark Lager. Small wine list, different lesser known labels, completes the picture with a mean price of $15-16 pg.
Average Prices:
Entrees/Starters: $16
Mains: $27
Desserts: $15
Surcharges: Cards, yes. Not stated other times
Beer: Carlton D Schooner, $8
Wine: $16 pg
Roast: Not stated
Tab: No
Pokies: No
Jack Ginnivan Steak Index (JGSI): This week; Friendly Societies, Collingwood. Porterhouse, fully plated, C&S//mash, broccolini, $45.
HIGHLIGHT/S:
Main: Beef and stout pie, $32. Massive homemade pie, excellent stewed meat with the unmistakable ale flavour omnipresent. Mash, peas, gravy, a dish for anytime of the year. And yes, fully encased: A proper pie.
Something Different to Eat: Starter, Port Lincoln sardines, $16. Served on a sizzle plate (how retro), salsa verde, garlic bread, this most dismissed species is brilliant in nearly everything, yet rarely seen on pub menus.
Well done to the team, with the blistering hot plate taking us back to every suburban Chinese restaurant.
Summary: It remains a curiosity how the seemingly indestructible Carringbush Hotel met such an ignominious end and ceased trading for nearly two years.
Whatever stories abound – of which there are many – the truth is this pub had/has everything going for it – locals gravitate to it, and those from suburbs afar made it a bit of a destination. All ages, smart, comfortable, familiar.
That was the Carringbush past: TFSH is off to a flyer. And the same deal applies. For sure it has a facelift, but nothing so significant that causes a second glance. Like all good pubs, the welcome of a brilliant front bar grabs you first and doesn’t let go.
Back, trading, in form. A revisit is definitely on the cards.