The Winston I was lucky enough to attend a 'Cocktail Masterclass', held at the Winston Hills. Not being from the area, and given the night involved alcohol, availed myself of public transport options and caught the bus from Wynyard. An easy 1 hour trip, accompanied by reading a book made it quite pleasant and I was dropped right at the doorstep. The Winston Hills is a large bistro style pub and has indoor (with wood fires) and 'alfresco' (yet covered) seating area, a sports bar and pokies lounge, it would suit a lot of guests. We participated in the class in the alfresco section. As I arrived, tables were already set up ready for the class with ingredients, alcohol already measured, shakers and accompaniments. Certainly looked classy to start! Hosted by Michael Nouri, known as a 'mixologist', he had great knowledge and passion of all things cocktails. Instructed that there is no right and wrong way of making cocktails, as you can easily replace one spirit with another to make an entirely different drink. The key is having versatile ingredients. Gone are the days where I used to buy passion pop, a cheap version of Malibu (bombora?), home brand pineapple juice and mix up a cocktail (or "punch") in a bucket in my college dorm. Now, I am older, have a full time job and a lot more knowledge I am prepared to have some cocktails at home that actually taste good! As we arrived, we were met with a cocktail on arrival: a 'Tom Collins" - a simple style drink that can use any base spirits. It was modelled on the 2-1-1 method (sour, sweet, soda). This was made with gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and soda. This particular one used a Spanish gun and served in a highball glass. Delicious and refreshing. This gave us a good idea of what ours were meant to be like. We were then taught that cocktails could be "built, shaken or stirred". Despite my years of drinking at college, I had only heard of stirred, and I am sure that was from James Bond. Thus, the night was based around this concept, learning to make these types. With 4 people in a group, the idea was to make 4 cocktails (make one each and share with the group). I began as the first cab of the rank, making the easiest one: an "El Diablo" - tequila, lime juice, crème de Cassis, ginger beer in a highball glass, filled with ice and garnished with a lime wedge. This was extremely easy, basically pouring the pre measured items in the glass. No shaking needed - it is an easy one to make at home. Followed up by a coconut and ginger daiquiri - daiquiris are pretty standard drinks, but made with coconut water and faiernum syrup was extremely good and almost felt healthy! This one you just add to the shaker with a bit of ice and off you go. One of my all time favourite drinks is the espresso martini and I learnt something this time, add a touch of salt and coconut flakes to garnish and makes for a great version! Finishing off the night was the men's favourite drink; the old fashioned - bourbon, simple syrup, bitters, over ice and stirred with an orange twist. What a great opportunity to learn about how to construct some favourites and some inventions on the classics. It was well organized and taught effectively with a fun AND funny host. We also got two gourmet pizzas to share between the 4 people and help soak up the alcohol consumed. At $30 a person, it was extremely good value and I thoroughly recommend it. The courtesy bus will even drop you home if you live nearby, or in my case: the bus stop. How cool is that. read more

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Casual & relaxed this place has a good feel. Big, modern, airy yet cosy. In winter months they have a fire roaring in a lounge area. The dining area is wicker & timber. The feel of the tropics perhaps. Menu ranges from breads, sharing plates, salads, sides & pizza as well as blackboard specials. Mussel pots are popular. Also some desserts, but I don't think I've had room to try one. It is a great place for groups. Last time I went I became a member, so not too sure what I'll gain, but I noticed there is a 2 for 1 deal on Mussel Pots on Mondays, exclusively for members. On Tuesday night there is a Trivia comp in the Sports Bar where newcomers are made to feel very welcome. It's a winner. read more

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It surprises me as to how popular this place is. The lunch menu is not cheap pub food. It is expensive but on the positive side it is very nice. Main meals range from $24-$30 and there is a reasonable variety. We tried the lamb, salmon and steak today. All good. Choice of beers are available on tap. It is best to book if there is more than four. It is very noisy so there is not much option for having a conversation. On a Sunday afternoon there is some entertainment, too. read more

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I really have to boycott this place. When you go to this place you feel that you've been robbed. It seems that this place wants to achieve 100% margin at your expense. The Winston is owned by Woolworths... Yes, the fresh food people. Like every other woollies owned pub it is a mega rip off. I've been here three times and each time I feel worse off then when I came. I suggest you go to independently owned pubs that value there customers and do not leave them with the feeling of being robbed. Good businesses can make customers believe they got a good deal, this business fails to do that read more

Went here to catch up with some friends on Friday night last week. The night was going great until an incident occured. I naturally went over to find out what was happening a de-escilate the situation. As soon as I walked over I was asked to leave for no reason by management who was screaming for no apparent reason. I couldn't believe it as I'm quite an older woman! I didn't catch his name but he was short with darker skin. He was so rude I couldn't believe it. I will not be going back while he is managing the place. The security team was very nice as were the wait staff. Food waa great but pricey for a pub. Has everything to be great except a half decent management team. Please let me know when you get new management so i can alter the review! read more

Waited OVER AN HOUR AND FIFTEEN MINUTES for two dishes which were mediocre AT BEST. Lamb shanks were barely warm and the rack of lamb was over-cooked. The sauce was terrible. Complete fail. DO NOT COME HERE. read more

Good atmosphere, good food, service is fairly quick. The pub has separate areas for eating inside or out, the TAB and sports bars. Prices are higher than your "average pub" but worth going back time after time. read more

Nice comfortable fit out at this hotel but unfortunately over priced food although the quality is good and inflated alcohol prices put a dampener on this venue , never offering a midweek or weekend food deal as compared with all other hotels in the hills ! Worth a try if you have a win at the track read more