The Crafty Squire

It seems like these places are starting to pop up around the place, usually where they was another bar but the brewery has ended up taking it over. I remember going to one in Adelaide and wasn't hugely surprised to see that it had taken over the old Portland Hotel (not that the Portland was anything special that is). Basically the only beers on tap are those of the James Squire variety, and there are a fair number of them (about eight or so from what I can remember). Okay, I'm not a huge fan of the Squire, but I will have one if they are the only ones available (as is the case here). Even then they aren't actually bad, but I guess they come across as a bit too commercial. Mind you, the problem that I tend to always face is the choice.

We were out in the city waiting to watch a booked theater show to start, which was within walking distance from the Portland Hotel. This place has been around for a long time. Thought why not pop in for a drink and a small bite to eat. Have walked passed this place on numerous occasions and have always seen it quite busy. Managed to get a table for 6 at one of their barrel stools. Ordered salt and pepper calamari from the pub menu, wedges and bowl of chips with a number of mix beer and ciders. Quite expensive for a pub menu, wedges and chips were great however the salt and pepper calamari were pretty ordinary and pricey for its servings. Overall its a great place to have a drink but food wise is quite average. Apart from the food, the atmosphere was great, service was reasonably ok.

ate here for dinner on a sat night with my husband and 3 young kids. we shared 3 meals, a starter/entre bucket of fried school prawns which was sizeable and only lightly fried with dipping sauce. We also had the Kangaroo curry (kangaroo mince with chickpeas) with yoghurt and flatbread on the side (mildly hot and healthy). 3rd meal was calamari salad - chargrilled calamari with wombok salad which was good too. latte was just OK. Had 2 James squire Ale's @ $12 a pint so could not drive home. plenty to choose from on menu (lots of kangaroo options) and prices competitive with similar venues, staff fairly attentative and did not need to make a booking.

A great restaurant with a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Went here with my boyfriend for dinner recently and walked away with out hunger satisfied and our thirst quenched. I have Coeliac disease which can be a challenge when eating out but it proved not to be an issue at all at the Portland Hotel. They also cater for vegans which is great! I had the mushroom, spinach, gorgonzola and parmesan risotto which was delicious. My boyfriend had the kangaroo burger which he loved and tried some of there in-house beer. One of my new favourites!