Published on 16 June 2022
Drop into a heritage pub for a warming pub lunch or dinner. There are some beauties to choose from in historic Guildford, each offering something a little different.
WA's oldest operating hotel amongst only a few original country classic Georgian pubs in Australia, the Rose and Crown in the heart of the heritage precinct in Swan Street has the most charming beer garden in the State. Have a drink with friends in the Posh Convict bar, or venture down the steep steps into the underground Cellar Bar, home to some great stories and an old well that was used to draw water in colonial days. Enjoy an intimate meal in the historic 1841 restaurant or a casual catch up in The Garden.
And the food? Expect all the pub classics including fish and chips and hearty burgers, plus rotating daily specials guaranteed to satisfy your comfort food cravings including tasting plates, home-made soup served with crusty local sourdough and house-made desserts.
The iconic Guildford Hotel on James Street is another that attracts a crowd. Its fabulous interiors – blending old with new – feature previously fire damaged floor boards restored as centrepieces, terrazzo tiling, and a beer garden with smokers turning out meaty delights. An impressive retractable roof for fine weather, upstairs bar with balcony seating and chesterfields around open wood fires completes the venue’s unique character.
The food on offer is designed to share, but also includes some larger dishes and burgers, and of course the smoked and barbequed meat – brisket, sticky pork ribs available from the smokers. And a recommendation? You just have to have the cheeseburger spring rolls.
The Woodbridge – affectionately known as the Woody – is the closest you will get to a country pub in the city. In a Federation building housing an eclectic collection of advertising hoardings on the walls, this place has a great family atmosphere.
There are hearty, generously sized meals – steak sandwiches, curry of the day, bangers and mash, garlic prawns and the popular pub classic, the chicken parmi. Regular live music and hearty, housemade desserts add to the appeal.
And finally, the Stirling Arms in James Street. The courtyard out front is a pleasant place to sit when the sun is out, protected by a high wall from the traffic noise and umbrellas for shade with a covered area to one side in case of inclement weather.
It has an impressive wine list and a menu covering the classics such as beer battered fish and chips, sirloin steak and a range of pizzas. Or tuck into their small plates - great for sharing such as the hot as chicken wings, pork belly bites and truffle and mushroom arancini.
Winter in Guildford? You can’t go past these classic pubs.