The Bank

Bar Bar Food Booze Eat & Drink Pub Bistro

Jackie McMillan
June 5, 2013

Rather than just selling the mythology of localism – that you want to drink where everybody knows your name – The Bank Hotel actually does it. Over a schooner of Young Henry’s Natural Lager ($6.30) Licensee Jake Toivenen explains: “We know the guys that make this.” Jake drinks in their brewery – it’s just down the road. Another local business, Pat & Sticks, provide the sweeties (ice cream sandwiches) for the new bistro menu. (Yes, they’ve moved on from Sumalee Thai). With the last reno. about six years ago, they’re in a period of metamorphosis, under new owners Solotel. Whilst street level is mostly unchanged, descend to check out kick-arse, all-weather beer garden: hanging lanterns, a wooden atrium and overhead ceramic heaters providing curtains of warm air. It’s just the spot to devour a wintery 350g Pork Cutlet ($21) with Irish champ cake, porky red cabbage and baked apples. Snack on Sticky Lamb Ribs ($13) with lemon yoghurt; a retro-kitsch Smoked Oyster Tin ($12) or go vego. with tasty Baked Eggs, Tomato Sugo, Tuscan Beans and Charred Bread ($14) – nice with 2012 Eden Road Pinot Noir ($9/glass). The rest of the refit is slated to be ready by the time this year’s Fringe Festival descends – yes, another local win.