15/20
Contemporary
There's nothing so queer as a pub with no beer (other than a few specialty brews). But the rambling old Royal George Hotel has renounced its boozy past and, without sacrificing its heritage looks, pitched its appeal at food and wine lovers. New owners have cemented relations with the region's best producers and vignerons, and recruited a new chef, Chris Wade, with innovative culinary craftsmanship. The kitchen's previously Middle Eastern leanings have been replaced by a less exotic contemporary style. There may be crab ravioli all pretty in pink under a roasted shellfish cream, and tomato and tarragon foam, followed by meltingly tender confit lamb on minted potato puree topped by a salad of tangy goat's cheese, caramelised baby beet and tomato. Confirmed carnivores will appreciate the cuts of aged Kyneton Black Angus beef. Desserts deserve a big tick, whether starring ginger, or chocolate, or perhaps pear in a tarte tatin with chestnut icecream. Changes underway include turning the clubby bar-lounge into a regionally based wine bar opening into a new tapas bar, and expanding the rear courtyard and vegetable garden. Regular wine dinners are held in the private room upstairs.
Open Wed–Sat 6–10pm; Thurs–Sun noon–3pm
Typical prices E $16 M $34 D $15
Cards MC V Eftpos
Wine Impressive list with a leaning towards fine Macedon Ranges, Heathcote and Harcourt wines, plus top varietals from elsewhere
Owners Neil Henson and Jim Lekakis
Chef Chris Wade
Seats 50; outdoor seating; private room; bar 
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