James Squire Brewhouse

After a long day at the Sydney Wildlife Park, I was in the mood for some kangaroo…and beer, and James Squire fits the bill.

Food

We were a bit early for dinner just before 6, so we had to search around for a waiter. However, once we secured menus, they were happy to obliged opening the kitchen a bit earlier for us. I went with the Special meal deal for ($27.50), which was Peppered Kangaroo Loin Fillets (usually $26.50) - Cooked medium rare with roasted sweet potato gratin & jus, accompanied by the James Squire India Pale Ale (5.6% Alcohol). Here is the blurb that accompany the beer

Brewed with all pale and Munich malts, James Squire’s Pale Ale is rich and robust with the earthly floral dry hop character of Fuggles hops. Made for tasting with respect. It compliments the Brewhouse chicken

This meal was much better than I thought. The kangaroo was cooked rare as usual, but instead of small thin fillet, this was a thick and juicy slab of meat. The sweet potato gratin was creamy and sweet, a perfect foil for the kangaroo. As for the beer? I don’t know much about beer pairings but I thought they went very well together. It was cool, slightly bitter with a hint of sweetness.

Slokky had a hackling for meat, and you don’t really get meatier thanFull rack of Pork Ribs ($30) - with smokey BBQ sauce & steak fries. An enormous slab of meat arrived, with complimentary bib. It wasn’t as meaty or fatty as some others – which suited me fine. The smokey BBQ sauce was fine, but not too exciting. The fries were thin and crispy.

This is certainly above average pub grub.

Rating - 7

Atmosphere

We were a bit early so didn’t get the rowdy crowd. We sat outside on the huge wooden tables, and you can watch the walkers and joggers along the wharf. Inside, you can admire the in-house brewery, marvel at their awards or study a history lesson about the brewery. Or you can enjoy a beer and a few games of pool in the very blokey interior. The inside is probably a bit blokey – especially when the footy is showing on the plasma screens, but grab a few tables outside with friends, and you can settle in for the night.

Rating - 1.5

Service

I was very surprised. Our waiter was thoughtful, efficient and charming, not at all what I expected from a pub. He bought our meals, bought us extra water to go with our beers without being asked, refilled our water, gave us extra napkins for the ribs, and cleared our dishes all good-naturedly. He really made our night very special. And all this from a pub. I think some of our upper-class restaurants can learn a thing or two.

Rating - 4.5

C-factor

At these prices for generous serves of above average pub grub, and at King Street Wharf to boot, are amazing. No wonder they are so popular.

Rating - 2

Brownie Points - 14

Info

22 The Promenade, King Street Wharf
Sydney
NSW 2131
Phone (02) 8270 7901
Website