WHEELERS HILL HOTEL

Crn Ferntree Gully & Jells Rds 
Wheelers Hill

http://www.wheelershillhotel.com.au/index.html

On a recent Sunday night, J and I decided to squeeze in some quick sister time and head to the nearby Wheelers Hill Hotel for dinner.

The Wheelers Hill has been an institution in the area for as long as I can remember and for good reason.  The main building on the corner was the area’s original post office in the late 1800’s and its heritage listing means it remains whilst surrounded by a brand new hotel built around ten years ago. While the public bar has been a popular haunt for the young of the area, it also attracts the older crowd with its Morning Melodies shows and Seniors Specials.

The main thing the Wheelers has going for it is the atmosphere, with the bistro’s full glass windows taking advantage of spectacular views over the Dandenongs.  A fireplace and comfortable lounge chairs add to the cosiness.  Like many pubs, drinks must be ordered at the bar and meals from the counter.  The menu has recently been relaunched and includes the usual pub bistro favourites along with an extensive grill menu.  Several specials are also available along with a special Kids and Seniors menu. 

WE ORDERED

To share as a starter -

Baked Mini Loaf - Oven baked, accompanied w roasted garlic, herb & semi-dried tomato & basil butters

For main course (both from the specials menu)

J had Vindaloo Prawns - Twelve tiger prawns bound with a mild coconut & vindaloo sauce, capsicum & spanish onion resting upon steamed rice & accompanied with pappadams.

I had Char Sui Pork Belly - Oven baked pork belly served with fries & a salad of cucumber ribbons, wild rocket & cherry tomatoes finished with char siu sauce.

WE THOUGHT

The Baked Mini Loaf was huge and there was more than enough flavoured butter to go around.  The bread was warm and tasty...this was a very enjoyable starter.

J enjoyed her Vindaloo Prawns and thought the sauce had good flavour.

The Char Sui Pork Belly was massive and instead of the usual one piece of pork belly, I had three.  I must admit I forced myself to get through it.  It was a bit tougher than what you might find at a fine dining establishment and the crackling was on the chewy side rather than crispy.  Still the sauce was very tasty and for the price you couldn’t go wrong.

WE LIKED
The beautiful view and pleasant atmosphere.  The big meals which are good value for money.  Those who find pub bistros too noisy may prefer the Wheelers.  With no kids playroom it is much quieter than many other pubs and children are generally better behaved. 

WE DISLIKED

The lowlight of the night was the slow service.  Only one person was working behind the bar which meant a wait of almost 10 minutes for drinks.  The line to order food wasn’t too long as we got in early but if we’d been a bit later we would have been in for a wait.  The meals also took a long time to arrive on a night when the bistro wasn’t full...perhaps they were short staffed in the kitchen?

WILL WE RETURN
Yes.  Apart from the fact it is close to home, the great views and value for money meals mean we will be back, possibly for a family meal next time.

7/10