The Alliance Hotel

Hill area one night when I was in Brisbane. Mind you, that time made me realise there isn’t actually all the much in Spring Hill (with the exception of a couple of pubs, some coffee shops, and a bunch of hotels). The thing that stood out to me was how friendly the staff where. When I popped in here for a drink they told me that the bar was closed due to a freack accident, however I could have a drink in the restaurant (which does make me a little uncomfortable, since restaurants are for eating and bars are for drinking), however the friendliness of the staff did make me feel really relaxed, and as such I do have fond memories of the place. It did feel a little classy, but that was okay because if the staff are welcoming to little old me, then that’s a good pub in my books.

The food (especially the oysters) was top notch, as was the service. But watch your back; after spending a great deal of money and basking in the glow of a wonderful meal the inebriated owner proceeded to bully my date, swearing, smashing his freshly bought beer to the ground and threatening to glass him. All completely unprovoked. A top notch bully! I’ve boycotted the place now. What a shame.

We relinquished control on where to dine when two of our friends suggested we meet up for dinner, and so we arrived at the Alliance Hotel not really knowing what to expect. The ambience of the restaurant was nice, a historic mish mash of dark woods and dim lighting.
I went with the ribeye, served with an unforgettable blue cheese soufflé, while El Hub opted for the Barramundi and mashed potato. We were both pleased with the flavours and presentation, but felt it was a bit overpriced for what it was. I’ve had much better steak in that price point, and larger cuts to boot. The soufflé alone could warrant a return, but it is, after all, just a side.
Unfortunately this establishment wouldn’t be my first choice when deciding where to go the next time around. But I do recommend that you go and try it out yourself to make up your own mind about it.

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.

Great food and drink! What a great looking make over, I was pleasantly surprised by the inside of what looks like a average pub from the outside. From the moment I stepped in for lunch it was great, a warm welcoming from the bar man, followed by friendly service staff, to the great selection of beers. Food selection, price and freshness was top notch.