Rose Diner and Bar
Every rose has its thorn, although we challenge you to find one in this newly refurbished gem
Steed Sheriff (former manager at Richmond’s Royal Saxon) and Ashley Cranston (previously of Fitzroy’s Little Creatures Dining Hall) have transformed the Rose Hotel, most recently a pizza place, renaming it Rose Diner and Bar. With a crisp white façade, the inside is again fresh and modern with pale green décor, exposed brickwork and pale wood topped tables sided by black bentwoods.
A nice change from typical modern pub fare, chef Stephen Drake (ex sous chef Royal Saxon) plates up seasonal; produce driven fare to create Country Women’s Association inspired, classic dishes.
At lunch, go for their corned beef sandwich with dill pickles, Dijon and Gruyere. For dinner, try an appetizer of oysters or perhaps a vol-au-vent – moreish puff pastry plump with fillings like crayfish or confit duck and pork belly. From there, pan-roasted Hervey Bay scallops are a fine precursor to their Steak Diane – a Gippsland Grass-fed Scotch Fillet with brandy, mustard and shallot. Tuesday nights see roast chicken for two with sage and pork sausage stuffing, peas, spinach and bread sauce and there’s no doubt their Berkshire pork shoulder will be a winner for Sunday lunches.
For early risers, you’ll love their sister café Little Rose out back (entry via Heath St). The catch cry is ‘Shakes, Jaffles and Coffee’ (Syndicate) alongside other brekkie basics like baked Green eggs, muesli and toast from Brasserie Bread in Melbourne. This converted mini ex-garage has been fitted out with recycled timber topped tables, a communal with stools and window bench seating. Other cute touches include mini glass coke bottles for sugar, recycled old ladders and some faux grass.
And to top it off, upstairs sees the fantastic little Back Bar set to showcase some great live music – having already showcased two jazz and swing bands.
You’ve heard it here first, Rose Diner and Bar and Little Rose are set to become local favourites in no time!
Where: 309 Bay St, Port Melbourne
When: Mon-Thurs 12pm-11pm | Fri-Sat 12pm-1am | Sun 12pm-6pm || Little Rose Mon-Fri 7am-3pm | Sat-Sun 8am-4pm || Back Bar Fri & Sat 5pm–11pm
Phone: (03) 9681 8550
Details: rosediner.com.au
