A mallard is a common duck found in the Northern Hemisphere, and whilst the male sports a prominent dark green head and neck and brown crest, the female is a speckled brown. Speckles may not qualify as spots, so perhaps the “Spotted Mallard” is a mythical creature. But in the Southern Hemisphere, the Spotted Mallard is a well known and well loved pub and music venue on Sydney Rd Brunswick where many locals frequent to catch a band, partake in a monthly swing class and have some top notch pub grub from the new summer menu, washed down with some craft beer or a choice of wine from the solid wine list.
On a Wednesday night propped up on the bar, chatting to friendly bar staff, I sampled the Chipotle Pork Tacos $7 washed down with a crisp, fruity Italian Babo Pinot Grigio $12. The soft blue corn tacos complemented the robust chipotle pork with slivers of onion. A hearty appetiser to precede the main Milk Braised Pork Belly $19 served a top a creamy and rich sweet potato and orange puree and crunchy and fresh kohlrabi and apple slaw. The Pork Belly with crispy skin proved a hit with many diners ordering the dish as a main.
Kitchen manager Michael Cullum has assembled a fine menu of hearty dishes including the Chermoula Seafood Hotpot $20 and the Roasted Summer Squash and Heirloom Carrot $17 as a vegetarian option that will rival those in the area with the bonus of a welcoming atmosphere, parquet floors and a beautiful stained glass skylight a nostalgic reminder of the venue as an art deco ballroom, with the monthly swing class utilising the parquet floor to its full effect. Many taking advantage of the heady summer nights by dining on the balcony.
The Spotted Mallard has the winning trifecta of great food, live music and an atmosphere like no other. For pub grub with a difference, give the Spotted Mallard a go.
314 Sydney Rd,
Brunswick
Open from 4pm weekdays
2 pm weekends
Gigs 8.30 – 9.30 pm
Ph 9380 8818
www.spottedmallard.com
Anna-Maria Megalogenis was a guest of The Spotted Mallard
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