Country Pubs: The Best Meals
There’s an expectation when you order a meal at an Aussie pub – we already know there will be a parmi, some kind of fish and chips, probably a roast of the day…maybe even a seniors special and a salad bar. Well in the Great Ocean Road region we still do a bit of the expected, but some of our local drinking holes are a lot more than that, and are flipping the traditional pub fare on its head.
Lorne Hotel
With executive chef Matt Germanchis at the helm, the fare at the Lorne Hotel is a step up from standard pub meals. Matt’s CV reads like a list of some of Melbourne’s most famous eateries, including Movida, Pei Modern and The Press Club. In 2016, he relocated to Victoria’s Surf Coast to open a seafood restaurant and fish and chip bar. His love and skill with seafood are on display at Lorne Hotel, where he makes the most of locally caught produce. Now part of the Merivale Group, the hotel also features the beer garden terrace with sweeping views over Lorne. The ideal place for a long summer lunch. The Italian restaurant Totti’s occupies the ground floor.
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
Apollo Bay’s top pub is part of the Otway Brewing Group, known for the Prickly Moses beers. The Great Ocean Road Brewhouse is a champion of all craft beers and there are over a hundred to choose from. The family-friendly bistro is a warm and cosy space, and the steaks are always thickWith a great selection for all dietary requirements and a choice of outdoor spaces to enjoy the sunshine and/or sea breeze, this is a great spot for a classic hearty meal.
Apollo Bay Hotel
Apollo Bay’s ‘bottom pub’ could be named as this one might be a few metres lower in elevation than the other. We don’t know, but it’s not relative to standards at all! The front deck is a stylish place to enjoy just being in such a beautiful location in the heart of Apollo Bay and the Great Ocean Road. The menu makes a conscious effort to tick of traditional pub fare with chicken parmigiana, schnitzel and fish and chips, but there are a few surprises like their halloumi with strawberries and black pepper or you can live it up with an over-the-top ‘fisherman’s feasting platter’. The large bistro is very popular in summer so we recommend you book.
The Cally
Located in Warrnambool’s CBD (our regional city by the sea) The Cally has a separate bistro and bar, where you’ll find Live Music several nights a week, a gaming area plus a kids games area. The menu offers delicious traditional pub meals, with some featured local ingredients plus an exceptional, constrained, regionally-focused wine list. Every night is special with roast, lasagne, burger, steak and two separate parmi nights each week. You can even stay in rooms upstairs if you’re on a budget.
The Stump
People have been served beers at the Caledonian Inn, also known as ‘The Stump’ in Port Fairy since 1844. In fact, it is Victoria’s oldest licensed pub. Recently revived with new leaseholders refreshing the pub and creating a chic beer garden, perfect for enjoying a meal or a drink. Leaning into its ‘country pub’ atmosphere, the extensive traditional menu highlights seafood and steak, a nod to the rich bounty of the sea and produce from this abundant farming region.
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