30 Jun Public House, Richmond

Recent years have seen the rise of the gastropub, and Public House in Richmond is one that’s embraced the concept, combining it with an outdoor bar and featuring a neat rooftop terrace. The menu is full of tasting plates great for pairing with beer, cocktails and wine, and larger share plates and individual dishes if you’re after a nice sit-down dinner at the table-cloth covered tables.

Southern fried chicken, corn bread, coleslaw & an American beer or glass of wine ($18)

Retaining the popular concept of pub specials, they’ve got $14 porterhouse steaks on Tuesday nights and winter warmer braised dishes with wine or beer on Wednesdays. Today is Thursday, which means the meal deal is Southern fried chicken, corn bread, coleslaw and an American beer or glass of wine for $18. The bucket contains five or six pieces of crunchy chicken that’s bursting with juices, and the cornbread and coleslaw is great for pacing. I’m pleasantly surprised by the lack of greasiness in the chicken’s golden coating.

Tuna tataki, sesame marinated soba noodles, waikami, salmon roe ($17)

Not just sticking to pub grub, Public House does more ‘refined’ dishes too. There’s a splash of Asian influence at the moment, with tempura, plum and hoisin sauce, fish and ginger dumplings and steamed buns making an appearance. The tuna tataki is coated with sesame seeds and sits atop twirls of soba noodles marinated in sesame oil. Wakame and salmon roe are added for extra flavour pops of the sea. The plate, though aesthetically pleasing, is quite narrow and I lose some of the toppings to the table. The flavour combinations work well, and it’s a great lighter option.

Public House offers a decent variety of food and drinks, and their weekly specials may entice you for dinner in a friendly and casual environment.

Disclaimer: I dined as a guest at Public Hotel. Opinions expressed here are purely my own and are based on my experience at the time of the visit.

Public House
433-435 Church St
Richmond, VIC, 3121
(03) 9421 0187
publichouse.com.au/