Tony Leonard’s Pub of the Week review: The Flying Horse Hotel in Warrnambool
PUB: Flying Horse Hotel
WHERE? 10691 Princes hwy, Warrnambool
PHONE: 5562 2254
SCORE: 13/20
WHEN? 13 May 2016
WEB: www.theflyinghorse.com.au
VENUE
First time review. Brand spanking new (built 2008) pub on the eastern side of Warrnambool, the Flying Horse is the first pub to greet you on entering this beautiful south west town of Victoria.
The much loved child of husband and wife Matthew and Tania is big, with massive Sportsbar/TAB (no pokies), dining room complemented by two outdoor dining areas, private function room and a functioning small brewery. Think loads of timber and steel in a just-built house, multiply it by plenty and you have the outlay. The drive thru allows you to pre-order and pick up a pizza as well as the takeaways.
The food is good pub grub, pretty much standard pricing anywhere in Victoria for a pub of this type. All bases covered and it’s good solid tucker. The Flying Horse is a big supporter of community groups and provides a courtesy bus (it’s a couple of Ks before the town proper). Well done.
During May Racing week, it held its own with plenty of people congregating there.
MENU
The menu is Pub Grub 101. Roast of the day (generous) is $19.50, Parma $21, Fish of the Day, fully plated $28. Pub likes to ramp up the steaks with top quality 450g Rib Eye the show-stopper at $39. Almond mango chicken of coated medallions in a tangy mango sauce is $25 and one of 4-5 different takes on this popular pub staple. Entrees are confined to breads and shared pizza, and mains average out at $25. Specials of desserts are done in house, and stop the clock around $10.
TRIED
Bruschetta – $11.50. Good. Arriving on a wooden paddle, the 4-5 slices were topped with fresh tomato and diced onion with a balsamic drizzle. Bread excellent. I liked.
‘The Big Fella’ Pizza, Large – $25. Interesting. Big serve, priced accordingly, with Chicken, Bacon, Camembert, Avocado, a combination of four I’d not encountered but it worked.
Pesto Lamb Chops, seasonal vegetables. $27. Good. Four-point rack, plenty of winter vegetables, no problems.
DRINKS
Try the Flying Horse brews. Whalers pale (4.6%) was so refreshing and excellent depth (I’m not a Porter fan (5.8%) but if so try the Dirty angel). Carlton Draught is a must and was well served.
SERVICE AND STYLE
Frantically busy over the May race days, but staff kept the service with a smile. Well-run pub by good pub people.
SUMMARY
The Flying Horse is a straight up and down good pub, providing the balance of good food, drink and hospitality. No shortcomings here, it is a fine player on the south west coast.
The Flying Horse is the first pub to greet you on entering this beautiful south west town.