Hunters Hill Hotel - Hunters Hill

The "triple H" is a bit of an institution in Sydney, it has been around for yonks and has been the favoured watering hole for many people (insert blokes) to watch the latest game of footy or to catch up with mates. It is also the first place quite a few young men from a nearby boarding school try to sneak into under age (I have this on good authority as I am married to a former "young man" who tried to do this on numerous occasions!).

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I'm pleased to say that the "triple H" has lost quite a lot of its blokeyness recently as it has been refurbished and transformed into an oasis of urban cool that is very family friendly. But don't worry they haven't turfed out the blokes completely as there is a TV that measures 160 inches wide hanging around in the beer garden than is on in all weather conditions so sports nuts will never miss out on their favourite game.

The hotel is on two levels, both of which are pram friendly - there is a lift you can catch between the floors. There is also an underground car park for all patrons to use. The ground floor is split into two areas - the outdoor groovy beer garden above which the mega TV looms and an undercover bar/bistro area. The ground floor is definitely the perfect spot to sit with kids as it is near the playground. The playground is in its own little room which should keep the Sydney sun off your babes. Other kid friendly features are that they have loads of high chairs and I've also read that on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings the HHH host Mother's Groups - I'm just wondering if they change the channel on the TV so that the kidlets can see a bit of Wiggles action?!

We actually sat upstairs when we dined on a Saturday lunch. It is still a great spot to sit, there is loads of space for prams and kids to have a wander, and the balustrade is high enough that little climbers can't get themselves into too much trouble - but obviously still keep an eye on them. You order and pay for your meals at the bar up here and the friendly staff bring the meals to your table. If you need a private function room I spied some very cool looking spaces when I was having a wander in search of the loos. There are loos on both levels and they have really nice hand wash which is refreshing to see in a pub!

Kidlets have their own menu at the HHH and everything costs $10.00. The portion sizes are very decent and the boys shared the crumbed fish bites. If you don't like your kids having too much deep fried junk then you can order them the chicken & mushroom risotto or the orrichee beef ragout. There is a full range of soft drinks, juices and of course water available for your babes. If a sweet treat is required these can be found down in the bistro. The pub is open for lunch and dinner 7 days and on weekends they do a breakfast service from 8am.

The adults menu is huge and full of pub classics. Think steaks, burgers, pizzas, fish & chips and parmys. There are quite a few gourmet options as well such as the Warm Duck Salad, Chermola Grilled Lamb Cutlets and Twice Cooked Pork Belly. Mr Much went for the blokey option of the steak and 1 veg (mash). The 300g scotch fillet steak was apparently cooked to perfection. Menu items are moderately priced and range in price from about $18 up to $39.

I sampled one of their pizzas - the Marinated Garlic Chill Prawn - it came with bacon, mushroom, baby spinach and aioli and it was totally delicious except that the dollops of aioli were just a bit too big for my liking. Other pizzas available are the Roma Tomato, Moroccan Chicken and BBQ Duck. The pizzas have a 10 inch base and cost between $19 - $23 and are an ideal share plate option.

I think what I love most about the HHH is that even though it's family friendly they still have areas where the" blokes" and of course women, who want to have a drink in peace without kids running amok can still do that. Before I had my boys I didn't want to have my Saturday arvo session with my friends at the pub ruined by kids being kids. The HHH have successfully created a place where everyone can be happy and enjoy this great old institution. And lets hope the sins of the father aren't repeated by my boys!!

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http://www.huntershillhotel.com.au
64 Gladesville Rd, Hunters Hill ,NSW 2110
02 9817 2188
Open Mon - Fri 10.00am - 12.00am (kitchen from 12pm)
Weekends from 8am for breakfast