Beautiful Budget Meals at The Fox and Lion Hotel

Despite its inviting outdoor patio and casual atmosphere, The Fox and Lion Hotel at the Entertainment Quarter goes beyond standard pub grub.

Of course, all the old favourites are there, including fish and chips and thick juicy steaks. But it was the meals that were just a little bit different that piqued the interests of my mother and me on Saturday. I opted for chicken in a basket, a sadly mundane name for a pretty sensational dish. It’s not the roast chook that we’re used to, but spatchcock. To make it extra special it was roasted with lemon and thyme inside, and a dusting of Hungarian paprika on the skin. With the skin crispy and the flesh moist, this was a real cut above the average hotel meal. So was my mother’s beef and James Squire Amber Ale pie, with its flaky pastry and fall-apart tender meat.

The Fox and Lion Hotel loves its James Squire, serving the beer not just in the meals but also at the bar. I indulged in a schooner of the Amber Ale, but could have taken my pick of several other varieties. I’m a big fan of the beer, and tasting it on tap just capped off a lunch that was really something special, especially considering the more than reasonable prices.

It was just a shame that we had to sit inside. With smokers fouling up the al fresco dining area, it was the only option if we really hoped to enjoy our meals. The surroundings weren’t so lovely, but the air was much, much cleaner.

Trading hours: Open for lunch daily and dinner Tuesdays to Saturdays
Location: The Entertainment Quarter
Address: 1 Bent Street, Moore Park
Public transport: Catch the #339 bus from the city
Parking: On site parking is available. The first two hours are free
Cost: Meals start from $12
Website: http://www.foxandlion.com.au

Image source: Edi @ Stock.xchng