Hunter & Barrel Restaurant Launches in Eastland
Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group has launched Hunter & Barrel, a unique new venture within the amazing new town square re-development at Eastland Shopping Centre in Ringwood. Hunter & Barrel in Eastland is already a vibrant bar and restaurant concept that celebrates world-class meats and produce and delicious craft beverages. The World Loves Melbourne was invited along to enjoy the launch of Hunter & Barrel at a blogger evening, along with the kids, showcasing the appeal to families as well as friends, groups and for occasions.
Guests can expect a welcoming mix of artisanal food, relaxed service and the theatre of a premium restaurant. We were more than impressed by the quality of the fit out with appealing timbers, greenery, and design. For a day one service the staff were outstanding and on top of their game. From when the restaurant opened it was packed and pumping all day; yet wait staff were engaging and helpful throughout. To be honest we couldn't believe they would attempt a blogger dinner on the first day of service but it was a resounding success.
The ambience is appealing, unlike anything else we know in the eastern suburbs, with the mood of the restaurant changing as it moves from day in to night. Both vibes are appealing.
The food menu is inspired by The Hunter, celebrating quality meats and produce with warm, hearty dishes such as slow roasted beef rib and pork belly cooked expertly over a signature coal grill. Appealing to us are the From The Coals cuisine, and in particular The Hunter's Feast; perfect for groups to share. The children loved all dishes on the menu so we recommend Hunter & Barrel for families.
The meat, poultry and seafood offerings are elevated as they are simply roasted and charred over coals. A broad selection of roasted vegetables and seasonal salads complement the menu.
The Barrel inspires the drink options, which blends contemporary bar techniques with age-old standards. Barrel aged cocktails, fat-washed spirits along with refreshing craft beers and boutique wines on tap will be served as standard. We enjoyed a Rosemary fat-washed Belvedere Vodka mixed with fresh watermelon - a unique and exceptional cocktail. It gave the cocktail a creaminess and meaty nuance, with watermelon to provide the refreshing balance. They even made mocktails for the kids! And beers are a specialty.
Snacks included Sourdough bread with cultured butter and Spicy Fried Corn with green chilli salt.
Starters hit the spot with Chicken Wings with hot and sweet sauce a cut above the usual with decent intensity of flavour. The Chilli Garlic Prawns were also exceptional; cooked with imagination infused with butter and lemon. All washed down with Sparrow & Vine Organic Chardonnay.
From The Coals was a chart topper; Cold Roasted Chicken with lemon and rosemary, Crispy Roasted Pork Belly with chilli sauce, Sausage Plate with cheese kransky and spiced Wagyu sausage, Slow Roasted Beef Rib with grilled onion chutney. All washed down with Sparrow & Vine Organic Sangiovese (a winner). It was like all our favourite things on one plate.
Sides and salads are important with this kind of dining; and Hunter & Barrel were on song with Radicchio Salad, Potato and Watercress Salad (a favourite), Grilled Cauliflower, and Cast Iron Button Mushrooms with garlic butter. All were exceptional.
Desserts took us by surprise. We thought the meat was the highlight but the desserts hit the high notes; Chocolate and Marshmallow Roast with biscuits is sure to be a signature. Indulgent yet superb interplay of taste and texture and use of coals! Also a highlight was the Golden Syrup Dumplings with fresh pouring cream. Decadence in overdrive.
Desserts were served with The Solera Negroni. Hunter and Barrel serve up an age barrel Negroni that excites.
Steve Scott, Hunter & Barrel Operations Manager commented, "We have focused on creating a unique, comfortable and fun experience for our guests at Hunter & Barrel - every choice we have made, from the cooking style to the plateware to our sequence of service were designed with this spirit in mind. We want our guests to feel that a visit with us is a celebration - exceptional food, drinks and social atmosphere to enjoy. Hunter & Barrel is an exciting addition to the dining offering at Eastland's Town Square."
“Eastland embraces Melbourne’s epicurean spirit and passion for food giving the community access to culinary maestros on their doorstep. The introduction of exciting new concepts like Hunter & Barrel is testament to the unparalleled dining experience has been unveiled for the community at the new Eastland” says Steve Edgerton, Eastland Centre Manager.
ODO is responsible for the design and interior fit-out, which reflects a theatrical space, a place where customers are drawn in by the warmth of the fire pits, the ambient lighting, and the communal environment. Hunter & Barrel also recently opened in Sydney.
Thanks again to Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group, Hunter and Barrel and AMPR for a sensational night!