Mention of a quintessential country pub brings up thoughts of lots of great places, and probably a few less memorable ones too. The good ones bring up memories of comfort, atmosphere, warmth, and hospitality. Paradise Valley Hotel delivers this in spades across a large space from the front bar with its roaring fireplace and comfy couches, to the sun drenched dining area, to the outdoors which sees the Puffing Billy pass through multiple times during the lunch sitting.

We’ve been here several times since we heard the O.MY guys love the place. Previously we’d driven past and didn’t realise what a treasure we were missing. Visiting for a wine in the front bar on couches facing the fireplace after another great meal at Emerald’s General Food Store, we quickly made plans to organise a group lunch and come back properly. That lunch saw us book two tables on a very hot day but despite the sun shining into the back dining room, it was an excellent catch up and the food lived up to the wine list.

There’s a huge amount of thought that needs to go into a successful pub, especially in the country. Such a big pub with so many spaces really needs to be thoughtful about the menu, drink options, comfort in each space, staffing, and many other aspects we take for granted when we are recipients of the hospitality. Getting most of these elements spot on is not an ordinary effort.

Today, we are having a group lunch yet again, but this time we are deeper into the restaurant, and it is winter. While service is stretched, the gaps are not too lengthy, and things run well on the floor with friendly staff who are clearly used to working at pace. The intensity is no doubt felt by the kitchen too, but we don’t notice any meaningful delays, and our food is excellent.

With so many great pub selections, and a broader offering too, Catherine and I decide to share a few dishes. Between the calamari, pork belly bao buns, and a cheeseburger (with chips of course), we had a good lunch feast to contend with. The winner on the table though was the Korean fried cauliflower which received applause from all and sundry; a superb pick from Kasey and Karl.

Plenty of diversity in the beer selection, a good range of reasonably priced and well chosen wine, and some particularly nice cocktails sorted us drinks wise, with the zesty apricot and hibiscus spritz worthy mentions. The kids meals were great too. We finished off with some churros for the table, which were quickly cleared from existence.

One of the traditions here is having some time out the back watching the Puffing Billy go by, and having a final drink while the kids run around. On a clear winter’s day it’s the perfect way to end a lengthy lunch catch up, and plan for the next visit!