Fresh: The Governor at Macquarie Park

A good local pub strives to service the local area and aims to be all things to all people. The Governor, a new Australian pub in Macquarie Park, does just that with its expansive space, which includes a bistro, garden terrace and rooftop bar.

Conveniently positioned close to Macquarie University, The Governor features a 260-seater bar and bistro as well as a rooftop bar for 200. Eat, drink and socialise; it’s whatever you want to do at The Governor, whether it be a rooftop session or a quick mid-week lunch.

Executive chef Luke Lashford and bar manager Andrew Ratcliff have developed a menu that is firmly focused on giving the people what they want.  Before going around thinking it’s all chicken parmigianas and t-bone steaks, the pair have added an element of finesse to what they are doing, drawing on personal experience and influence while still pleasing the crowd.

Downstairs in the main bar, bistro and garden terrace, The Governor is accented with lush greenery and royal green tiles giving the space spades of old world charm. Designed by Edith Clark, in collaboration with Momento Hospitality, expect hunting trophies, open fireplaces and portraits of Governor Macquarie scattered around the place.

On the downstairs menu, think poke bowls with fresh salmon sashimi, the signature Governor ramen made with smoked brisket, pork belly and topped with a soft egg, or The Governor Burger, a steak and brisket patty, double American cheese, secret sauce on toasted milk buns.

Any snack situation is covered, with the menu including salt and pepper squid, truffle and parmesan fries, crunchy buttermilk fried chicken and for entertaining larger groups a tender lamb shoulder, seared tomahawk steak or the frankly enormous 1.2kg oven roasted king salmon, a certain showstopper.

Upstairs is Ess, The Governor’s rooftop bar with a 360-degree view of the local area. It is an ideal spot for drinks or dining in the sun, where guests can sprawl out in a private booth or enjoy the space with a drink from the bar, housed in a greenhouse.  For the menu at Ess, Lashford has developed an Asian-influenced menu with Portobello mushroom katsu baos and small dishes from a robata grill including chicken yakitori and pork spare ribs with wasabi chimichurri.

Across The Governor, Ratcliff brings his experience in crafting cocktails with a comprehensive menu including The Governor, a spiced rum old-fashioned and The Governess a gin, raspberry and ginger float, topped with a torched marshmallow.  Of course if that’s not for you there are a solid list of beers and wines for a casual session down at the Governor.

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