It’s not often you get the chance to say your local is one of the best in the state. Well after a few drinks most of you probably think you do.
The sleepy village of Walcha Road gets to say just that! And they don’t have to be three sheets to the wind either. The Walcha Road Hotel has been awarded the coveted three schooners and a score of 18 out of 20 by the Sydney Morning Herald Good Pub Food Guide for 2012.
No stranger to the guide, the Walcha Road Hotel last year was rated a score of 15 out of 20 so it was a real surprise for owners Suesann Long and Garry Farley to move up to the prestigious three schooner rating, one of only two hotels in the region along with the Royal Hotel in Moree to do so.
“Out of 581 hotels in NSW including the Sydney area, only eight received the rating of three schooners,” said Suesann Long.
“The three schooner rating is for our food and service in the Hotel.
“We had no idea when we were being rated or who they were, it was such a great surprise.
“This is a huge achievement for us and Gary and I are really impressed.”
Since the Guide came out and news has spread, Suesann has seen an increase in people coming out to the hotel with many people commenting about the rating in the Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Pub Food Guide.
With so many hotels moving towards a trendy club-like environment, the Walcha Road Hotel has stayed true to its roots with down-to-earth country hospitality and hearty meals.
With fire all but gutting the hotel in 2004, the Walcha Road Hotel has risen from the ashes to be the quintessential Australian country hotel. So if you are after a great meal and are partial to a chat with one of the locals or even Suesann or Garry, head down to the Walcha Road Hotel. Bookings are advisable for meals by contacting the hotel on 6777 5829. Lunch is served between 12-2pm and dinner between 6-9pm seven days a week.
The Top Pub in Uralla and the White Bull Hotel in Armidale were both given a one schooner rating and a score of 16 out of 20. The Willow Tree Inn received a two schooner rating and a score of 17 out of 20.
Story: Jo Harrison
