the outback experience
Prelude
On a wet and stormy Friday evening in August, we decided to pack as many members into one car as possible and follow the Great Estern Highway to Guidlford. With the threat of suspensions hanging over a few members for non-attendance, we were expecting 90% quorum. It was apparent that this would be the last MPR for a little while due to busy upcoming schedules, so there was great expectation in the air for the Woodbridge to deliver.
First Impressions
The grand federation style building of the Woodbridge has a real street presence – reminiscent of pubs like the Paddo, Grovener or Albion. The interior oozes character with its jarrah floorboards, high ceilings, quirky memorabilia and wall art, and of corse the local patrons. We arrived as the crowd was steadily building and we were informed by the bar staff that the restaurant was fully booked but we could still order from the restaurant menu if we ate in the beer garden. Crisis averted!
The pub really had a local flavour and if you didn't know, you would believe you are in a country town pub. Old timers were joking at the bar, the publican's daughter works behind the bar and the band was setting up to an air of expectation of seated guests. We were thinking "this could be gooden". However, we noticed there was only a couple of small screens situated above the bar playing the footy (without sound) and the TAB section was quite small (although did have direct bar access which was a positive).
Settling in
Since there was no where to sit in the main pub, we reverted to our customary gravitation toward the TAB section – which actually is quite a nice little area. We were able to have a punt whilst ordering a drink, keep and eye on the footy and watch through to the main stage where the band was. The Guinness was smooth and creamy and the Swan Draft was cold. Given the restaurant was booked out, we though it was a good idea to get in early with our food orders. As we got chatting to some of the ladies waiting in line to order, it was evident this pub holds favour with the locals. And as we got to the front of the line, we were greeted by the publican owner with his daughter taking the orders - just another tick for local flavour.
Later on, the pub really comes into its own. The band starts belting out some old favourites and people can be seen cutting a rug on the dance floor. And after a few shandies there's a good ole atmosphere around the place.
The Food
A really good menu selection withg good options for both meat lovers and hippy-vego-tree-huggers. Our food was good without being outstanding. Those that went with the lamb shank pie were underwhelmed and those that went for Ribe eye steaks were satisfied enough. Chicken and pasta options got the one thumb up. The real dagger in the heart, was when one of our members asked for cutlery after our food arrived, only to be told its inside near the condiments. He tried his luck again with a different waiter, only to be given the same response - so obviously its a pub policy!
Overall Score: 39/60
Sport Viewing – You can watch the game, but this is not what this pub is about. 4/10
Food – Not worth the drive, but you'll be well fed and content. 7/10
Beverages – Well priced tap beer and ciders. 7/10
Service – Great bar service but let down by unhelful table waiting staff. 6/10
Atmosphere - Probably the best we've experienced so far. Get down there early for a table inside. 9/10
Punting – Suited our purposes, one TAB touch terminal and a few screens to watch. 6/10