Pub of the Week: Mount Macedon Hotel, Mount Macedon
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Mount Macedon Hotel
Where: 694 Mount Macedon Rd, Mount Macedon
Phone: 5427 1236
Internet: www.mountmacedonhotel.com.au
SCORE: 14.4/20
MARCH 27
VENUE: Simple sentence to start: The Mount Macedon Hotel (MMH) is stunningly beautiful against a glorious and rugged backdrop.
Once leaving the Calder, head straight up Mount Macedon Road, climbing all the while, admiring the scenery of perfectly manicured gardens and houses of an opulent era past.
Not quite at the summit, the MMH appears on the right. And visually not out of place with the preceding landscape: this is one good looking pub.
For sure it is relatively remote but it’s hard to imagine it fell on tougher times. The front of the pub is replete with tables and chairs and would happily sit alongside Melbourne’s best beer gardens.
Inside, exposed brick walls, lead light windows, heavy with timber and sturdy carpet, has as its feature a semi-circular front bar serving locals (Holgate, Mt Macedon Pale) and beloved Carlton D ($7.5/pot).
Think of your library serving alcohol and you have the picture.
Through to two dining rooms, then a terraced (slightly raised) dining area outside (covered), and then below, a massive beer national park to rival the likes of the Cosmopolitan, Trentham/7 Creeks, Euroa.
New owners have provided the kiss of life here, but are long involved in hospitality, with venues such as Cargo, and Postmistress. It shows. Floor staff work diligently under the watch of owners and do a fine job.
Still one or two matters to be ironed out, but the MMH is off to a fine start.
MENU: The MMH has a short, punchy, good looking menu, which are priced bang on.
Starter: Around eight, but there’s a lovely and plentiful share of Spring Bay mussels, chilli, garlic, napoli, flat bread ($23) or meatballs, Italian style, tomato sugo, flat bread ($20)
Mains: Approx 12, with traditionals such as chicken parma, broccoli slaw, chips ($29), fish and chips, Mount Macedon pale ale battered fish (Barra), salad, chips, tartare.
The MMH makes a fine spaghetti marinara; prawns, fish, mussels, tomato, garlic, chilli, extra virgin olive oil, $34.
The wine list is extensive, Riesling Freak #3 @$14pg, Shadowfax Pinot Noir @$15pg. A good selection from the region is offered.
Average Prices:
Entrees/starters: $20
Mains: $30
Desserts: $12
Surcharges: None displayed
Beer: Carlton, $7.5/pot
Wine: $14.5 pg
Roast: (N/A, yet, but on the cards)
Tab: No
Pokies: No
Jack Ginnivan Steak Index (JGSI): This week; Mount Macedon Hotel sher wagyu rump, mb 8+, chips, salad, chimichurri, $39 or 250g eye fillet, mash/veg, $39.
HIGHLIGHT/S:
Main: Eye fillet, pasture fed (250g), mash, broccolini, red wine sauce, $39. As pricing for steak goes, this is absolutely at the fairest end for this exquisite cut. Served as ordered, (rare), the meat only needed a gentle to slice away. Thursday nights, from 5pm, this beautiful piece is reduced to $29. Bargain.
Something Different to Eat: Crispy coated mushrooms, stracciatella, chilli oil, $19. Two large portobellos are coated with a tempura like batter, the creaminess of the cheese tops adds another flavour bomb, chilli for the kick, this is rarely seen served like this and it works.
Summary: The MMH falls into the category of ‘destination’ pub, best exemplified by the Wed-Sunday trading. In fairness, even with the later start in the week, they are happy to go with a late service, in spite of the lack of population/housing near the pub.
This pub is gorgeous, front/middle and back. And seemingly in the wilderness for nearly a decade, new and experienced owners have re-righted the ship. Good now, expect better in 12 months.
Here’s a free tip: Go to lunch at the Mount Macedon Hotel, and then if you’re up for a dessert and a different tipple, head to the Mount Towrong Winery to finish the day in a most beautiful part of Victoria.