Middle Park Hotel - Middle Park

Date: Friday 25^th June 2010

Restaurant: Middle Park Hotel

Address: 102 Canterbury Road (cnr Armstrong St), Middle Park, VIC

Phone: 03 9690 1958

Commentary : Sarah Andrew

The review must start outside with this establishment as its sheer size and architectural magnificence cannot be over-looked. The Hotel was originally built in 1889 and just last year was returned to its glory. In addition to the hotel which features a private dining room, open bar and public dining room there is a select number of boutique hotel guest rooms available for booking.

During the summer months, the roadside tables and chairs are filled with a mix of punters and ‘tradies’ knocking off for a cold beer. Inside, the extensive bar wraps around the inside of downstairs and if you follow it far enough you will find yourself in the dining room. Again you may find workman and ‘suits’ enjoying a beverage side by side on a Friday afternoon, however it works, really well.

Paul Wilson is the Food Consultant behind the menu, which may come as no surprise to many of you. At the helm is Head Chef David Marshall (ex Botanical), driving not only a seasonal menu, but a local one at that. Not only is the food sourced from Victoria, but the wine list reflects the same focus too with the exception of one or two Champagne listings.

The cuisine is ‘genuine pub nosh’ within a glamorous setting. I dropped in the other week for a business lunch with two others and as we were a little time poor we jumped straight into ordering a main each. I selected the special for lunch which was BBQ Harpuka with lemon, herbs and a pea shoot salad. To accompany this I selected the Wedgetail Eagle Chardonnay Par 3 (Yarra Valley). The food was fresh and flavoursome and the wine well suited to my cuisine, mood and time of day.

The venue more than met my criteria that day; efficient service, pleasant setting, attentive staff and quality food at a reasonable price. I did have enough time to peruse the menu in detail and would certainly like to return again to experience the Middle Park Hotel at night.

For those of you who are tempted to drop in for a meal, the kitchen is open seven days between noon - 3pm and 6pm - 10pm.

Yes this review is brief, but sometimes less is more!