You might know this place as the Vic on Hyde or the Hyde Street Hotel - around since the 1800s it's now under new management and has reopened as the refurbished Victorian Hotel, with a fresh modern fit out and an updated menu. The hotel has 3 distinct areas plus a dedicated function space – although smaller functions are welcomed in all of the other areas.

The open and airy Bistro seats up to 140 guests with a blonde wood fit out, intimate booths, tables for groups and a semi partitioned area for more private dining. Adjacent is a fantastic kids area with it’s own bar, dining tables for families, play equipment and a screen for entertainment. They’re expecting a delivery of new furniture in the near future which will make this an even more enticing for guests with kiddies.

The new menu really has something for everyone – with wine on tap, craft beers, cocktails, mocktails and and full selection of spirits, plus coffee, tea and softies.

The food menu is comprehensive with a good list of pizzas (in two sizes, starting at $13), steaks (all served with chips & salad), & pub classics (parmas, burgers, fish and chips and bangers and mash to name a few). Plus a list of mains such as goats cheese soufflés with seasonal veg and Couscous, crispy salmon with asparagus & broad beans, or seafood paella. They’ve helpfully suggested wine pairing with many of these dishes. There’s also a kids menu (kids eat free on Monday!), a seniors menu (from $8), and a couple of basic desserts.

What we had... #Herb crusted Hervey Bay Scallops, aioli, cauliflower puree and lemon | delicate and tender scallops in a lovely creamy sauce with a delightful golden crunchy crust on the top. #Camarones Al Ajillo – prawns, chilli and garlic served with Turkish bread. | A generous serving of perfectly cooked, tender prawns surrounded by a delicious garlicy broth. We loved the slices of garlic which gave it a real kick of garlic, and the fluffy fresh turkish bread was just perfect to soak up all that sauce. Garlic and prawns – what could be better than that?! #Chicken Parma – house made chicken parma, beer battered chips & garden salad | the huge parma was really tender and juicy with a delicate ham and even though it was completely covered in golden cheese it wasn’t too rich to eat. We enjoy the thick cut beer battered chips, well cooked with a great crunchy texture.

Eye Fillet Surf and Turf – this obviously isn’t a cheap dish but it features a 250g grass fed eye fillet cooked how you like it, plus prawns in a white wine bisque and your choice of sauce. It comes with crunchy thick cut chips and a garden #Sticky Date Pudding – light, moist spongy pudding with a good date flavour – served hot with vanilla ice cream. Pro tip – it’s lovely and absorbent, order extra sauce!

Final Thoughts…. Located in an accessible spot on the main strip of Hyde Street with parking out the back, the Victorian has a welcoming feel, loads of space and a well executed, modern menu. They feature specials & happy hour on week nights, locals night on Monday, trivia on Thursdays and a Sunday roast every week. The staff are friendly and welcoming and the chef is happy to cater for all dietaries. If you’re Northside it’s definitely worth popping in.