The Merrijig Inn needs no introduction. It has been part of Port Fairy’s historic fabric since the 1840s and played a significant role in the town’s development. While visitors from near and far venture to stay at its bed and breakfast, it’s what you will find inside that gives reason to why this piece of history has stood the test of time… and will continue to do so:
Art comes in many forms and at the Merrijig Inn, it’s at the hands of the extraordinarily talented Tanya Connellan. Having spent over 30 years in the hospitality industry, Tanya has worked with some of Melbourne’s most well-known chefs, including Ian Curley, Stephanie Alexander, Michael Bacash & Cath Claringbold. She credits her time with them as shaping her “old school” approach to cooking – using traditional and European techniques to construct flavourful and hearty dishes. Her years at North Fitzroy’s Green Grocer cemented her dedication to organic and biodynamic produce, which she has carried on to this day at the Merrijig Inn by creating a daily menu based only on the best local ingredients she has available to her that day.
It’s an exquisite process to witness and one that truly comes from her heart. Her intuitive approach extends to the local producers and farmers she relies on daily by telling them; “whatever is good, is what we will have.” When Tanya got her hands on beetroots like she’d never seen before, they were transformed into the hero ingredient of dishes for that day. With a buzzing fishing port literally on her doorstep, Tanya’s menu will more likely than not feature standout seafood dishes like smoked eel with pear, celeriac remoulade and oat cakes. Conversely, the rich soil and surrounding land of Port Fairy means the local butchers have some of the best meats in the state, if not Australia. Duck parfait, beef brisket and rabbit all feature regularly and have felt the Midas touch of Tanya’s sheer culinary brilliance.
The stand-out food menu is complemented beautifully by a wine list that has been featured on the Australian Wine List of the Year for 11 years and awarded ‘three glasses’, a feat that is yet another testament to the phenomenally talented team. The old-world charm of the kitchen extends into the cosy, character-filled seven-table dining room where guests are greeted by the famous and charismatic Leeroy, the friendly face of Front of House. The atmosphere is as welcoming as the menu, with locals and out-of-towners alike filling the small and intimate space with gentle chatter and laughs around the open fire.
You truly couldn’t be anywhere else and you don’t want to be.
