First time back since the Pasha Bulker storm when the hotel was known for Yum Cha. Can't say it left much of an impression back then and gelatinous chicken feet didn't do it any favours.
Fast forward 15 years to a well presented venue featuring all your pub grub classics. Pizza, grill, schnitzel and my lunch choice today, the 2019 winner of best burger.... The Jeso. As someone who frequents dedicated burger joints like NBC and Rascal, I will concede the best burger title is deserved. It's simple. Joking with my husband they had merely crossed the road and purchased a Whopper. But simple is often best. Beef patty, lettuce, tomato, pickle, house sauce and perfectly melted cheese. Loved it. Wanted another one! Chips are extra which is a bit unusual as most places will have them included. They redeemed my trust by offering standard or sweet potato at the same price of $4 rather than charging more for sweet potato.
Two minor deterrents for me. 1. Lack of onsite parking which is easily solved with the nearby Stockland Jesmond carpark. 2. Auto doors to what I assume is their pokies room which led to smoke wafting out where we were dining. A lot has been done to make hotels and pubs more family friendly and smelling smoke these days is rare. So whilst it was far from overpowering, it was definitely noticeable in comparison to other modern venues. read more
