The Governor

Overview

The Macquarie Park hangout has all the makings of a quintessential Aussie boozer, boasting a roomy front bar and bistro, a garden terrace for those al fresco sessions, and even its very own rooftop bar, complete with 360-degree views.

From the same group behind large-scale watering holes like the Bella Vista Hotel and Hillside Hotel, The Governor is angling to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a little something for every mood, occasion and time of the week.

The main bar and bistro, which can seat an impressive 260, is decked out in dark timber, royal green and foliage aplenty, with cosy booths that take their design cues from old-school train carriages. Settle in by the open fire, or out under the festoon lighting of the leafy terrace.

To match the variety of spaces, Head Chef Luke Lashford has put together a broad food offering — with everything from teriyaki chicken poké and a range of woodfired pizzas, to a slow-cooked Flinders Island lamb shoulder, best shared between three or four people in one of those intimate booths. The drinks list is designed to complement, featuring old favourites alongside crafty seasonal creations.

Upstairs, rooftop bar Ess — which is slated to open in early August — boasts a bar and kitchen of its own, an Asian-inspired menu heroing the Japanese charcoal grill. Venture up for the likes of wagyu beef skewers, port ribs with wasabi chimichurri and portobello mushroom katsu baos.

Images: Kai Leishman