According to Michael Delany-Korabelnikova, the man who has recreated iconic Sydney pubs such as The Abercrombie, Flinders Hotel, The Norfolk on Cleveland and The Carrington, there is, in fact, a specific formula that can be applied to ensure the success of a pub.
This formula comes in the form of a new type of hybrid venue. Pub Disco Diner. Not generally three words used to describe the same place but, it is these three elements that, once combined, will create pub magic.
The former Forresters was tired and run-down but positioned in a cool enough location to warrant a steady weekend crowd. After Michael’s touch, The Forresters is now trendy and glamorous, with just the right amount of “I don’t give a sh*t” attitude that 20-something hipsters tend to like.
The elegant upstairs dining room
In the “about us” section of The Forresters website, five things are listed: cold beer, hot pizza, rotisserie meats, wine and pasta. For a pub that has just spent a substantial sum in renovations, surely there has got to be more than that. And thank goodness there is – from the 1950s American-style diner, complete with leather booths and a smoking room with candy striped banquettes, to its sort-of beer garden out back – The Forresters offers a bit of everything and somehow it all seems to work.
According to Michael’s pub wisdom, food is the key ingredient and The Forrester’s menu doesn’t disappoint, especially the weekday $10 specials lunch menu. Think pappardelle Bolognese, smoked mozzarella aracini or duck, fig and pecorino salad. Or you can really bust the budget and for $12 order a generous piece of crispy skinned barramundi served on a bed of saffron and mint fregola.
Standout dish: crisp skinned barramundi served on a bed of saffron and mint fregola
Great food, a lively atmosphere and a prime location, The Forresters is worth a visit.
Anna Lisle
Read more about The Forresters here
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