Sometimes, traditional pub fare hits just the right note. I must admit it had been a few years since my last visit to the Beerwah Hotel and I was pleasantly surprised to see it had undergone quite a transformation in the interim. Something of a hinterland icon, I had heard whispers about its karaoke and country music nights as well as its food. Our visit was for lunch on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Just a short drive, it became all the excuse we needed to venture away from our usual haunts.

The hotel itself consists of a sports bar, bistro and beer garden. The bistro is clean and spacious with a nice casual atmosphere. The beer garden is a more laidback space that stretches around the open areas of the hotel with some sheltered spaces just in case. The dinner menu was standard, although quite extensive, with traditional pub favourites such as steak, fish and pizzas as well as a selection of entrees, a wine list and some special extras. There was also a lighter lunch menu from which we made our selections.

Once this was done we wandered over to the bistro to place our order, detouring via the bar to grab some drinks; mineral water ($3) for me and Toohey’s Extra Dry ($5.90) for my drinking, um, I mean dining, buddy. Soaking up some welcome sunshine in the beer garden we started with the Turkish bread and trio of house-made dips ($9.50) while we chatted away. The selection included flavoursome pesto, sundried tomato and salmon dips, served with ample, nicely toasted fingers of Turkish bread. All very nice.

I decided to go with the fish of the day ($23.50), Atlantic salmon, as my main course and it was actually really nice. In saying that I probably sound a bit surprised, but pub food can be a bit hit or miss. This, however, was pretty much on the mark. The salmon was perfectly cooked to my liking. It was succulent with a crispy sesame seed crust complemented by honey and 49soy flavours, exactly as stated on the menu. It was accompanied by a pile of crispy fries and a leafy salad (you have a choice of salad or vegies). It was a big meal so there was definitely no risk of going away hungry.

My dining buddy selected the risotto of the day ($13.95), which was chicken and sundried tomato in a basil pesto cream sauce. Again it was a very large serving and perhaps a little glutinous, as I find risottos often are. The flavours were otherwise good and it was great value. I would have like to have tried one of the desserts in the cabinet, but it was lunchtime and much too early for a nanna nap, which is what I would have needed if I had succumbed to my usual lack of self restraint. So it was one of the few occasions when I bypassed the dessert, although my neck did crane back as I passed the cabinet on the way out and I can happily report there were a few temptations there.

From Friday through to Sunday the hotel usually has live bands, and the Sunday session was just about to begin as we were leaving. It might have been fun to stay for a little bit longer but the afternoon was already spoken for so we will have to leave that adventure for another time. With the friendly service provided by both the bar and bistro staff, quality affordable food and the prospect of fun entertainment, the Beerwah Hotel proved a promising venue, not just for locals, but for families and visitors to the area looking for a final pit stop or a place to refuel.

Petra Frieser’s visit was unannounced and she paid for her own meals and beverages.

Beerwah Hotel
53 Beerwah Pde,
Beerwah
Ph: 1300 233 792

FOOD FACTS
Open Monday-Sunday lunch 11.30am-2.30pm, dinner 5.30-8.30pm
Cuisine Great casual and family dining
Cost Entrees $6-$15.50, mains $15-$32.50, lunch $7.50-$23.50
Verdict Good value, quality food



Story: Petra Frieser, weekender Issue 629, June 3rd, 2010.