Pub of the Week: Shamrock Hotel, Kyneton
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Shamrock Hotel
Where: 120 Mollison St, Kyneton
Phone: 5422 2504
Internet: www.shamrockkyneton.au
SCORE: 14.5/20
MAY 30
VENUE: Sweet looking art-deco brick exterior like its nearby neighbour the Kyneton, the newly owned Shamrock Hotel completes a fine trio of old style pubs in Mollison St, Kyneton, the third being the Albion across the road from the RSL.
All three have points of difference, the Shamrock’s ace being owned and operated by the Giemza family, whose track record of turning tired pubs into genuine places of community, is exemplary.
The Shamrock themes Irish, but not overly so. Front bar (The Shibeen) is very sports driven without intruding on those who want the footy or the horses or just a quiet drink.
The dining room, replete with strategically placed fireplaces, covers four areas with a small galley to the rear banging out proper pub food, while to the rear is a neat, carpeted beer garden, (which for Kyneton is a summer only affair!).
What strikes you is the newness and cleanliness throughout, while having an old regional feel. Great staff (mainly Irish), ensure table service is kept up to the mark, with a front of house drill sergeant directing traffic.
Genuinely appreciate the visible person in charge.
And every day/night, the Shamrock has either a meal deal, live music, meat raffle, trivia. For a short time under these owners.
TAB: Yes
Pokies: No
Fine pub menu kicks off with veal and pork meatballs ($18), homemade sausage rolls ($18) or cauliflower tacos, pickled onion, slaw from eight or so choices.
A real tick was the offer of seven blackboard specials to coincide with standard 15-16 and all bases covered.
Curry/pie/fish of the day, ($28), sit alongside twice cooked pork belly, veg, apple cider gravy ($32), or seafood linguine ($29).
Wines are sourced primarily from local producers, e.g, McAvoys Estate, Macedon, Clarnette, Grampians, and the never miss local Granite Hills Riesling is good shopping at $13 per glass. Backed up by excellent CD ($7/pot), Guinness ($8/pot) and the package is complete.
HIGHLIGHT/S:
– Beef stew, $34, massive mix of perfectly stewed beef, loaded with barley, carrot, mash, toasted ciabatta, this could be shared easily such is the generosity of the plate. Proper Sunday fare, setting right, very pleased with the choice.
A close second was the parmesan herb crusted veal, (x2), slaw, chips, lemon, $30, real veal, two pieces, very fair shopping.
Something Different to Eat: Nothing specific. Except, when you have an extensive menu, to back it up with seven extra specials, including FOMO inducing chicken and leek pie of the day, you have an innate confidence that what you’re producing is hitting the mark.
Surcharges: None on cards, unknown for public holidays.
Summary: The owners, father Peter, daughter Hayley, would have run 10, maybe more, pubs over the journey.
Palmerston/Rising Sun, South Melb, Blarney Stone, Port Melb and Yarraville are some that spring to mind.
Fickle as any profession, a publican’s fortunes can vary on a whim.
As Francis Albert crooned, … “you’re riding high in April, shot down in May”.
So why do they get this game right so often? Right staff? Attention to detail? Understanding customers’ needs? Well here’s a free tip: if you’re thinking of a career in hospitality, head to the Shamrock, Kyneton, seek Hayley out and ask a few questions. (If Peter’s there, have a beer with him – he’ll probably buy it!)
Shamrock Kyneton: Another family run pub success story.
Image: iStock