Publican Scott Connolly is no stranger to bringing a pub back to life, and he’s got several robust boozers in his portfolio to prove it. Connolly’s most recent redo sees him take to The George Hotel, a South Melbourne pub with over 150 years of history, and now, an all-killer no filler menu featuring one particular parma served on the bone that he describes as “really juicy”.
Here’s Connolly with what you might like to order when you’re at The George Hotel.
What if we’re here for a good time, not a long time?
Pull up a seat at the front bar and enjoy a pot of our George’s Lager teamed with one of our simple and delicious small plates: pastrami-crusted minute steak with a duck fat egg, chips and chef’s house butter.
What if I like tasty food but don’t eat animals?
We’ve got lots of terrific vegetarian options including burrata which is served with a house-made crispy chili oil – the perfect balance of spice and creaminess. Our food menu has a layer of Asian inspiration so dishes like the vegetarian cigar rolls with crispy lettuce, fresh herbs, pickled carrot and miso dipping sauce are fresh and light. For something heartier and warming, you can’t go past the whole roasted cauliflower which is served with almond cream, preserved lemon, hot honey, feta and raisin salad. It’s a winning combination that can also be made vegan. Finally, the vegetarian lasagne is elevated with shiitake mushroom and a ricotta and pecorino cheese bechamel sauce.
You’re no stranger to bringing a pub back to life. What’s the one dish that can’t be missed when you’re putting together the new menu?
The sesame prawn toast with lime mayo and crispy shallots is already a standout and the ultimate bar snack. We’ve focused on bringing together a comforting menu that’s executed really well, but still very affordable. Beyond the main menu we’re offering great value weekly specials including steak night on Thursday, Sunday roasts, burgers on Mondays and Tuesdays, and the ever-popular parma and pot night.
Your parma is served on the bone? Talk us through it.
It’s a chicken Kyiv cut. It’s the drumstick that goes into the breast. We find it to be a super juicy cut and once crumbed and fried, it’s so delicious!
Is there a drink or dish that captures vibe The George Hotel?
Our signature cocktail ‘The George’ is Glenfiddich whisky, Anitica Formula vermouth, shortbread and ginger syrup.
Let’s go big and let’s go crazy. What have you got for us?
A favourite of mine is the 12-hour lamb shoulder with white bean purée and pistachio salsa verde. We’ve also got some beautiful seafood dishes including a prawn and calamari spaghetti which comes with a Wasabi pangrattato – plus, a barramundi with a jungle curry sauce.
And to finish?
For something sweet we’re doing a burnt cheesecake loaf with a pistachio crumb, or I’d recommend trying our signature cocktail.
The George Hotel, 139 Cecil St, South Melbourne, open 12 noon-11pm Tues-Thurs, 11am-12.00am Fri-Sun, thegeorge.au, @george_sthmelb