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Written by Jean12 on 25 Apr, 2006
If there is anything that you ever want to experience in Australia, get off the beaten track and enjoy the hospitality that any number of the little outback pubs have to offer. I maybe a little bias when it comes down to it, but there's…Read More
If there is anything that you ever want to experience in Australia, get off the beaten track and enjoy the hospitality that any number of the little outback pubs have to offer.
I maybe a little bias when it comes down to it, but there's a little pub off the beaten highway between Melbourne and Adelaide in the Victorian outback town of Patchewollock. Here you will be met by the local publican, Kel and his trusty crew of talented drinkers, standing at the oval bar enjoying a pot or two at anytime of the day, any time of the year. For the best time, try a Saturday night session, summer or winter.. to experience the true "Patche Pub" style... string-less guitars, violins, and maybe even a keyboard or two... the publican likes his country music, so please try and steer clear of any current songs on the juke box... they will usually be skipped.
For the ones that enjoy a true home cooked meal, Janet will serve you up a feast of meat and it's help yourself to veggies (winter) or salads (summer) plus there's dessert if you wish... go for the chicken Kiev... it is amazing. And trust me when i say that you'll need the food... something has to soak up all that alcohol that you'll be drowning down in the hours to come. Don't mind if the local coppa comes to join you, Stew's a local in the near by town of Speed and often comes out for a pot or two when not on duty.
barring all this, chances are you'll hear a few tall stories, get to dance in the bar top... pour yourself a pint... even maybe get a free shout... just because... even if your extra special... maybe a lock in. For those that are not use to this phase... a "lock-in" is basically that... you cannot leave the pub and it's usually only applicable to anyone that is a guest in the hotel accommodation—of which of course there is at this one—but usually a few of the locals gather too, until they see it fit to jump in the four-wheel drive and tackle the back roads home... away from the prying eyes of Stew!
It will be a great night in and a sure way to get to know the locals.. there's plenty of other local stuff to see and do...check out the local farming comm, climb "snowdrift" ride a camel... it's all there, just ask Kel at the Pub.
OK, details on how to get there. Unfortunately for many, Patchewollock won't show on many maps, but if you try www.travelmate.com you will be able to enter search directions from your starting point to "Patche" as the locals dubb it. It is actually located in the Victorian Mallee, about an hour south east of the south-east boarder and half hour south of Walpeup off the main highway.
It will be an experience that you will laugh about for the rest of your life!!
If only all pubs where this friendly!!