Maybe I was seduced by the Pepe Saya butter, or perhaps it was the fresh interior of The Alliance Hotel that completely changed my opinion of this building I'd walked and driven past so many times without giving it a second thought as a venue to come for drinks, lunch or dinner.
With new owners, and I'm assuming, a new passion to make it a gastro-pub of choice when you're seeking a simple but familiar meal, I'd say they're on the right track.
He dined from the bar menu, ordering a steak sandwich which not only looked great, but matched it in taste. I found myself reaching for more and more of his lunch than my own. I ordered the pork belly and seared scallops from the main restaurant menu. The scallops were cooked to perfection but this dish made me realise I'm just not that into pork belly. I've tried, several times, but the ol' pork belly and I are not destined to be friends.
The Alliance Hotel would be perfect for the working man's lunch and as we dined there were many local office workers enjoying a good gourmet "pub lunch".
So when you next walk past this fine establishment, ready to pass it over for something else, take a chance. Walk in and find yourself surprised at the quality of food served here. As a recent local media food writer asked, "Could this be Brisbane's first true Gastro-Pub?" i'm inclined to say, yes, yes it could be. read more