The Alex as locals refer to it, is one of those brilliant gastro pubs that makes everything feel great, fabulous food, a great wine list, smart decor and a warm and engaging host. You know when you arrive that the drive was worth it and in summer you are hoping to be in the cool shade of the garden and in winter warm in the front bar.
The team at the Alex have had plenty of the right restaurant experience with a stint at the now closed, (sadly missed and quite brilliant) Yark Tea Rooms (at Yark). So it is no surprise that the food is smart and sophisticated with a seasonal menu that ranges beyond the classics but never disappoints.
For entree there is pan fried trout with grape salad and crispy vine leaf ($21), rabbit and pork terrine with cucumber pickle ($25) and raclette ($18).
Mains get serious with crispy skinned duck ($41), roasted free range Millawa chicken with potato pancetta terrine and smoked chicken sauce ($43) to char-grilled dry aged pork chop with sweet potato and shallots ($45). The slow roasted lamb rump with zucchini braised in tomato, capers, saffron yoghurt and almonds is also a real hit ($45).
And leave room for desert as they have some brilliant choices; Croissant bread and butter pudding with ice-cream and caramelised apples ($15), warm pear and almond cake with lemon curd and vanilla creme ($15) and chocolate torte with pistachio and caramel creme ($15), finally there is a generous cheese plate ($25).
If you want to make a weekend out of the hotel has some smart character filled rooms with a broad balcony where you can watch the comings and goings of people headed to the lake, and you can have a wonderful breakfast in the morning.
The Alexandra Hotel
64 Grant Street, Alexandra, Victoria Australia
Phone: (03) 5772 1014
E-Mail: info@alexandrahotel.net.au
Open | Th-Sa (Sunday for breakfast)
Fully Licensed
BYO | No
Wine Markup | 1.5x
Food | 18/20
Wine List | 17/20
Atmosphere | 18/20