A Modern Australian Restaurant - Crocodile Farm Hotel, Ashfield

What, may you ask, does a restaurant review have to do with website design or search engine optimisation? Quite simple really - absolutely nothing. However, recently I met with some friends over lunch to discuss future joint ventures with regards to web development and SEO, and I enjoyed the lunch and service that much, I thought some reciprocity might be warranted.

The restaurant, or bistro I speak of is located upstairs in the Crocodile Farm Hotel, 262 Liverpool Rd Ashfield - a suburb of Sydney, NSW. Now, don't get put off by the fact that this is a pub. The "Croc," as it is affectionately known by locals, has recently undergone a major refurbishment, and if anything, now seems out of place in Ashfield. It would be right at home in trendy Surry Hills, or near the water at Balmain.







I've dined at the Croc on several occasions in the past (four), so this is not a one time "fluke" - each time my experience has been wonderful.

When you first walk in downstairs it looks like a very modern pub indeed - bright, cheery and very clean. The thing that strikes you almost as soon as set foot inside the main door is the 2.5 metre crocodile under glass in the floor - with two very bright eyes peering up at you.

Up the stairs you will find a very tastefully decorated lounge area with comfortable leather lounges and funky designer stools - a perfect place to sit back and relax before or after dinner and chat with friends.

Adjacent to the lounge is the bistro. Again, clean, modern, and superbly decorated. Here is where the fun starts. The menu is simple, the prices are way too cheap, but the food is what could only be described as gourmet. Mains start at just $9.00, with the most expensive at just $17.50.

I chose the Roast Lamb Loin which was served on a bed of rosemary potato and Mediterranean vegetables. I don't eat red meat often, but I have to say, this is the most succulent and tasty lamb I can recall eating. The presentation would impress even Gordon "what the %$^# were you thinking" Ramsey, and the amount of food provided was quite enough for lunch - in other words, I wasn't left hungry.

Two of my friends chose the Pan Fried Salmon Fillet, served on a bed of pepperonata, mash and pesto. It certainly looked the part, and the chef wasn't stingy with the size of the fillet either. Again, presentation was superb, and it smelled delectable.

My other friend decided to go traditional - Bangers and Mash, served with peas and gravy. I have to say it looked out of place on the menu, but if this was comfort food, my friend looked VERY comfortable. And, looking at his dish, I almost wished I had chosen that meal...... nah - just joking - the lamb was something else!

None of us had room for desert, however I did ask what they serve and apparently it changes week to week.

As far as getting there goes, it's pretty straight forward, but here is a Google map with a direction finder. Parking is a cinch - just park in Ashfield Mall and walk though to the Croc. On the way out you can do a spot of shopping so you can say you just didn't go there for lunch.

Disabled friendly

It must not go without mentioning that the owner of the Crocodile Farm Hotel has gone to GREAT lengths to cater for disabled patrons. The hotel only has two floors - yet he installed an elevator. Not only that, something that struck me as being very considerate, in one area of the hotel there are three steps - just three - but the owner has even installed a wheelchair lift at (great expense) to help wheelchair bound customers feel more welcome. Before I get into ratings in general, I would have to say the Croc rates an 11/10 for being a disabled friendly hotel.

If you are looking for a venue for a work function, look no further. You won't find more comfortable surrounds, with great food, service, and price.

So, if I was going to give the Crocodile Farm Hotel a rating out of ten, I would have to say:

Food: 10/10 | Service: 10/10 | Surroundings: 10/10 | Price: 10/10 | Location: 9/10 | Hospitality: 10/10

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