Alfred Hotel

I wonder if this is a student bar. Well, if I take four steps I find myself in a university, and it doesn’t open until a little later, and there a drink specials so I guess it is. Well, it does have a good selection of beers, so I’ll give it points for that – a good selection always goes down well in my books. Shame that the beer garden isn’t open, it feels like a waste sitting inside on a beautiful day like this.

The Alfred is a classic pub with a cool little outdoor courtyard. The draw card here is their chef and kitchen - which pumps out some great meals. The Alfred and their chef Jamie have taken classic pub food, reworked it and created some sensational dishes while still managing to sell it at classic pub prices. We were here for a tasting of their menu and were treated to a range of dishes. I loved the crumbed chicken thigh and blue cheese sauce, as well as the herb and parmesan gnocchi. The standout for me though was the Alfred’s surf and turf, which was created with smoky BBQ brisket and coconut crumbed prawns. The meat was melt in your mouth tender and the purée and steamed kale were great additions to the dish. If you are around on a Sunday, then the Roast is definitely the option to go for - there is a reason it is classic and with a Yorkshire pudding - it's a hit from their menu! Drop on down for fresh and fantastic food.

I was recommended here by a friend. The steak ain't all that great but the environment, especially the back garden is very nice and welcoming. I would recommend this place for drinks with mates but not as an eating venue.

Good for a quick cheap pub meal - think steaks are about $7, just beware of the college kids, particularly on a Saturday night. They tend to invade the place.