In a region where pubs swing between gentrified bistros or pokie-ridden saloons, the Mornington Peninsula’s options for a classic tavern are few and far between. However, if you travel up past the hills Arthurs Seat into Main Ridge you’ll find The Pig & Whistle.
Not related to the Queensland chain nor the outpost with a similar title in Trentham, this quaint English-style pub is a saving grace for the region, a destination where the beers are always cold, the fireplace is roaring and stepping through the door is like a warm familiar hug.
The entire venue includes the main bar and restaurant, a sun-soaked beer garden with views of Port Phillip Bay, as well as converted farmhouse accommodation and ‘The Shed’ a dedicated live music and theatre space for touring artists and acts. Speaking with Heidi Luckhurst who heads up marketing and events at the Pig & Whistle, she describes the journey of transforming ‘The Shed’.
“It was just an old machinery shed that was completely unused, it was just full of cigarette butts, that was my first project, we all just chucked some gloves on and cleaned it out,” Heidi explains.
Now a thriving musical venue on the touring circuit, the space plays host to a mixture of talent from live bands, and solo acts to dedicated cabaret and burlesque-themed shows that are growing in popularity.
Inside the tavern, an eclectic array of historic beer paraphernalia lines the walls and leads you into the dining room which is centred around the brick fireplace along with the framed oil painting above of a regal pig in a dashing green jacket and orange vest.
It’s a piece of artwork that sets the vibe for the space with local friends and families taking up tables with chatter and cheer happening throughout.
The menu favours English classics like Cumberland pork sausages and mash alongside Australian pub staples like the parma which is as exquisite as it is gargantuan in size, an easily split meal for more austere diners.
“We’ve had a few people say we should make our parma smaller, but the majority of people eat the whole thing,” laughs Heidi.
Although simple, each dish is focused on flavour from a hearty beef and Guinness pie to the daily steak or fish specials, which fluctuate from porterhouse served alongside peppercorn to freshly caught snapper.
“It’s all the classic but it all has really good quality ingredients when I eat here it’s always the sauces and the flavours that stand out for me,”From the taps, there are few reliable options from Carlton Draught and Great Northern to a line-up of Brick Lane beers to more traditional ales like Old Speckled Hen Ale, a classic British drop with a malty and sweet aroma typically drunk at room temperature.
Whether it’s a cold night hunkered inside around the fire or out in the beer garden on a spanking summer day, the Pig & Whistle tickles that classic pub itch for the Peninsula.
The Specifics:
What: The Pig & Whistle
Where: 365 Purves Road, Main Ridge
Find out more about the Pig & Whistle and live acts at The Shed over here.
