Pub of the Week: The Lion and Wombat, St Kilda
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The Lion and Wombat
Where: 107 Grey St, St Kilda
Phone: 0478 777553
Internet: www.lionandwombat.com.au
SCORE: 14.9/20
MARCH 7
VENUE: Converted double fronted coffee shop some two years ago, near the corner of Grey and Barkly Streets in St. Kilda, the Lion and Wombat (LAW) has captured the essence of a genuine and typical small tavern and is truly a joyous way to spend an afternoon with family and friends.
The moment you enter, to quote the legendary Bill Lawry, it’s all happening. A smallish bar, ringed by seats to dine there greets you. Guinness (naturally), Stomping Ground, rotating cast of hand pump ales slake the thirst await your selection.
To your left is the restaurant, and further on is the Snug, a small space for sure, but allowing you to observe the eclectic passing parade of Grey Street.
Straight through the bar is the beer garden (seating says 30), covered and comfortable to all elements and set lower is a quieter area, bench seating, surrounded by businesses/flats etc, creating a closed in feel for a QLD (Quiet Little Drink).
And yes, this is a dog friendly tavern, trading Wednesdays-Sundays.
The overall area of the LAW is small but so cleverly worked out.
Food/drink/service are all delivered so well. Pricing is bang on and the best part is the food offers different e.g, pork/chorizo sausage rolls, curry sauce ($18), cheddar/leek croquettes, chive mayo ($16) to start.
Pan-seared salmon, smoked chilli butter, pickled cucumber and grape, lovage oil ($40), semolina gnocchi, caponata, basil, mature cheddar crisp ($28) for mains.
Free tip: Go to the sides; the pigs in blankets looked fabulous. Ditto the cauliflower cheese.
Wine list is small, but neatly curated with a fine Pinot Gris from the Barossa, Tomfoolery Fox Whistle @ $14 per glass.
Packed to the rafters on a recent Sunday, this is a must book if inclined to go and you wont be disappointed.
HIGHLIGHT/S:
– Scotch egg, mustard, $10. Tightly packed chicken mince, runny egg (good trick), light coating to hold it together made for a fine starter.
-Rocking fish finger sandwich, chunky tartare, $16. So simple yet a winner. Lightly fried, crunchy, bang on sauce, fresh fish, white bread. You beauty.
-Roast of the day, $29. Beef. All the trimmings, including their famous beef dripping roast potatoes. A pub Sunday roast in Britain is a joyous celebration; the offer here would not shrink by comparison. Beef was as good as you could get it.
Something Different to Eat: Genuine British pub fare, and unlike those in the mother country, the LAW is not corporately run, so points of difference are real.
Coronation chicken, focaccia soldiers, pickled red onion ($20), or potted shrimp, melba toast ($20), gives you a lead as to the direction the menu takes.
Surcharges: 1.5 per cent on cards, 7.5 per cent on Sundays and public holidays (not stated).
Also: Pokies: No; Tab: No; Foxtel: No
Summary: The LAW is an excellent representation of a British tavern, not only backed by its food and ales, but the very layout creating an outstanding vibe due to its (almost) cheek to jowl socialising/dining.
If you have a secret, best not disclose as you can hear the next table quite clearly.
That doesn’t detract. The Lion and Wombat is a place that you leave in a happy frame of mind.
Good times for sure.