Swallows

Swallows is a little pub with a great big wine list, its own monthly newsletter and its own bocce piste for customers. It is also a bit of live theatre and everyone is on stage. With Gillian Weinberger as the publican, business partner played by John Fitzpatrick, chef Michael Donovan, assistant chef Ron O'Bryan (the bloke with the tatts reading the recipe book), Andrew Scally as coordinator and a supporting cast of thousands, Swallows has returned to life [not equal] from the wharfiesí blood bath of 10 years ago [not equal] as a family pub where it's important to know all the players.

Old bikes adorn the pub [not equal] the walls are tiled in beautiful Victorian deep green [not equal] with other petrol head memorabilia under a red pressed metal ceiling. Gillian drives an ancient 1957 356A Porsche, which is a worry, but she plays Bach and Ella Fitzgerald, so it's alright. The original horseshoe bar is the main feature of the open-plan room with a non-smoking dining room to the south.

Specials include Ox-tongue salad with kipfer potatoes ($9.50), Braised hare risotto ($13.50), Seared loin of rabbit confite ($19.50), Blue eye with eggplant basil and choriso ($17.50), Ron's favourite, garfish ($16) and 400gm Ribeye steak on the bone for $19.50. The Swallows also makes its own sausages and pasta. I wish I lived next door.

192 Station Street
Port Melbourne
Steakhouse
Melways reference 2J:G2
Phone: 9646 2746
Opening hours: Sun-Fri 12noon-12 midnight, Sat 4.30pm-12 midnight
Licensed
Accepts credit cards
Seats Inside: 60, Outside: 20
Closed: Christmas Day, & Good Friday
Features: Restricted smoking, kids encouraged
Favourites: Basic spirits $4.50, House beer stubbie $3.50, House wine from $4 per glass

An updated review of Swallows