Where? - 31 Albert St. Preston
Price? - $23.90
Website? - http://www.theolympichotel.com/
Reviewers – Lee, Nikki, Stefo
We went into this week's review pretty much blind. During dinner conversation at last week's trip to Insignia Reviewer Stefo suggested that we next try a pub somewhere near to his work in Preston. Not having spent too much time in the area I agreed, and The Olympic Hotel was found almost entirely by Googling the phrase "pubs in Preston".
One thing that shocked me about the Olympic on arrival was its sheer size, This place is absolutely massive. With a Bistro, sports bar (with pool table and darts), TAB, Pokies, bottle shop and kids play area they're definitely going for an "Everything under one roof" kind've experience.
We grabbed a table in the bistro and checked the menu -
One thing that I do want to mention is that the Olympic Hotel would have to have some of the friendliest staff we've ever come across. From the Server in the bistro to the girls behind the bar to the bouncer out the front - Everyone was super happy, friendly and had a smile on their face. Definitely worth a mention as it made our dining experience that much more enjoyable.
As for beers I wasn't expecting a lot when I opened up the drinks menu. As I had feared the tap list doesn't extend far beyond VB, Carlton or Bulmers - However I was astonished to find a very lean bottled craft beer menu. Grabbed a stubby of Stone & Wood (a tad pricey at $8.70 each) and awaited our parmas arrival ... which wasn't long, as no more than 10 minutes later our meals appeared from the kitchen -
The schnitzel was thick, plump - but a little dry. It had a strong smokey/burnt fragrance yet I couldn't actually see any burnt parts - it was all cooked quite well, which was very confusing. Pretty light on the crumbs and pure chicken breast. A decent start, could have been served a bit hotter, but that is a minor criticism.
The toppings were pretty much straight from the packet. The napoli tasted a little tinny and the cheese and ham, while plentiful, didn't add a whole lot to the flavour profile. It was all fine - but nothing outstanding.
Chips were thinner than steak chips but thicker than french fries. Desperate for a little seasoning, the staff were happy to provide some tomato sauce for dipping on request. Points for not being served smooshed under the parma.
The salad looked damn impressive on the plate. A separate bowl bursting with carrot, lettuce, cucumber, tomato, olives and feta cheese. I couldn't wait to tuck in. The ingredients were crisp and fresh with a refreshing dressing - The olives were a punch of flavour but the feta was extremely underwhelming - I don't think I've tasted a more utterly flavourless feta in my life.
“Great friendly service, parmas were quick to arrive but the meal was average at best”
“Staff were super friendly, open and spacious pub - Just needed a little more love in the parma ”
$23.90 is a tad pricey for what we received. I noticed there is a cheaper option available in the sports bar but I can't vouch for it being the same as what was served in the bistro.
When I saw that the Olympic was a corporate pokies pub my expectations were low - And what we received was definitely better than what I was expecting, however it didn't blow us away. I think this is the shortest review I've done on this site in years, because I've just got nothing to say about it ... It was by no means bad, but it wasn't great. If I were to find myself at the Olympic again I'd have no qualms giving it another crack, but I don't think I'd travel for the experience.
Pros
- Friendly staff & atmosphere
- Unexpected Stone & Wood!
- Quick service
- Thick chicken breast
Cons
- Tinned toppings
- unseasoned chips
- Dry chicken