Pub Of The Week review: Prince Albert Hotel
THE PUB: Prince Albert Hotel.
WHERE: 149 Douglas Pde, Williamstown.
PHONE: 9397 5117
SCORE: 15/20
WHEN? February 19, 2016.
VENUE
Second time (last review 2009).
All ages, fabulous brick pub off the main drag in Douglas Pde.
Brick, wood, old world. Since last time, a couple of owners have come and gone but now Father/Son owner/operators have the PAH humming again.
Interior has been decluttered and the slightly curved bar on entering is the centrepiece.
Three large dining/sitting rooms, remodelled small beer garden to the side.
This is easily in the best in the Western Suburbs and sits comfortably with some heavy hitters in the Melbourne. No Pokies/No TAB.
MENU
Great mix of genuine pub classics and dishes that are the best of modern pub traditions with twists to elevate above the medium/tedium.
Beef and Guinness snags, mash, onion gravy $16, or ramp it up to 12hr braised Pork Belly, cauliflower puree, curried raisins, heirloom carrots (29).
Fresh Fish (Oven baked Barra fillet, poached mussels, asparagus) was FOD when I was there.
Salads are freshly made with different supporting vinaigrettes to suit.
Tables are fully covered (cloth/butchers paper) and table service both for food and drink.
Tables a little tight but no issue. Average Prices; Entrees $16, mains $26. Burgers (wagyu, caramelised onion, beetroot relish, swiss, fries) $24. Dessert $15.
TRIED
Tandoori Chicken Spring Rolls 4 for $16. Very Good.
Chicken minced and tandoori marinated through to give a pleasant heat. Lovely mint yoghurt to go with the good sized spring rolls.
200g Porterhouse, Salad and chips with choice of condiments $16. Absolutely great value.
Steak cooked closed to rare as asked, commercial chips (hot) in decorative fryer, good salad, fabulous shopping.
Roast Pork Belly slider, coleslaw. $22. Good. 4 meaty rashers, crunchy, atop a freshly prepared slaw, brioche bun and chips. Easy pub grub, with a point of difference.
DRINKS
Mainly commercial but lovely draught beer and was available in a 7oz glass (Lovingly referred to as a hillybilly) but was very well presented.
Wine is available in 3 sizes 150/250/750ml. Big plus was the offer of a taster before purchase. Abel Tasman Sav Blanc (Nelson, NZ) was chosen. Very Good. $42/bottle.
The average mark is around $40/bottle from a small list.
SERVICE AND STYLE
Attentive and courteous.
Staff in uniform (black). That, to me, is a subtle plus.
Happy to explain the menu both food and drink. Table service, pub looks great, no faults.
SUMMARY
The Prince Albert met with much acclaim 6 years ago. This is a great modern look on a traditional pub. A beauty.