I’ve just discovered a new favourite watering hole. So favourite that I’m nominating it as Australia’s best pub.
Given that within a 1.5 kilometre radius of my house I have a handful of well known pubs including The 3 Weeds, The Welcome and The Sackville Hotel, it seems a crying shame that I have to travel 6 klicks to actually experience a hotel of exceptional quality. But when I stop to consider that my new favourite hotel – The Henson, is just 6 k’s from my place then I’m actually pretty lucky, because it’s likely that, unless you’re reading this on King St Newtown, this place is a helluva lot further for you to make a pilgrimage to.
We first headed to Marrickville on Easter Saturday 2014 to meet a couple of other families. So with five adults and five kids under 10 to cater for, I was pretty skeptical of the pub’s ability to deliver the goods.Friendly staff, a pleasant space, kid friendly food, decent adult selections and reasonably priced.
Given Sydney’s propensity for style over substance I wasn’t expecting much despite the glowing praise for The Henson.
After a meal of nachos and steak, I’m a convert. So much so that after several nights dreaming about the place I find myself back there with just one child in tow, again seeking out their completely sublime version of nachos – White corn chips, avo & lime smash, habanero heirloom tomato salsa & beans for just 11 bucks.
I move on to Roast pumpkin ravioli, with charred asparagus, kale, labne, zucchini blossoms, eschallot butter & mint ($19) because I feel I’ve eaten a little too much meat lately and am keen to try and test my palette with something healthier. My son opts for Crispy skin snapper fillet with chips, salad & old bay mayo $(23).
A couple of glasses of Young Henry’s Newtowner to wash it all down and I’m ready for the sweet selection – Churros ‘chips’, mörk fudge, wattle-seed gelato ($11).
My son and I tuck in agreeing that not only is it an unconventional dish, but also delicious.
Ah The Henson, you’ve done it again.
Full marks for a tasty menu with great selections to suit every palette, brilliant, friendly, helpful staff and a very comfortable ambience.
Throw in a kids play area and a short stroll to no shortage of taxis on Enmore Rd and this place is my new local.
See you soon.
