Middle Park Hotel
An inviting gastropub overlooking Albert Park Lake and Melbourne city centre.
Overview
Originally built in 1889, the historic significance of the Middle Park Hotel does not go unnoticed. Polished brass bar fittings coupled with moody wood-panelling interiors pay homage to such history, complemented by the gastropubs new Korean-inspired menu.
Ultra-fresh seafood is king on the new menu. For a bona fide Korean experience, go for the platter loaded with slow-cooked pork shoulder, oysters, jalapeño pickle, ssamjanj (a spicy paste) and cos ($69). From this, you can build your own ssam, which involves wrapping up the ingredients in a lettuce leaf.
If you're a Middle Park steak groupie, fear not. The pub is far from abandoning its meaty side. The revamped menu features five cuts, a 1.5-kilogram dry-aged ribeye platter ($135) and a revamped burger crowded with a house-made wagyu pattie, beetroot, egg, tomato, gruyere and caramelised onion jus ($24). The same goes for the classics, which have been reimagined under Ha's tenure. If you're keen on bangers and mash, give the pork and fennel sausage with plum-infused semi-dried tomatoes, leek and white pepper mash and duck fat gravy ($23) a try.
Enjoy such dishes with a beer from one of the Middle Park Hotel's 45 taps.