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MELBOURNE | The Rochester Hotel aka The Rochey on Johnston St Fitzroy is a great example of a corner pub, with comfy leather booths a central bar and old school rock n roll music solidifying the atmosphere. Not only do The Rochey serve up vibrant cocktails and local beers on tap, but their brand new Kerala inspired menu delivers aromatic southern Indian inspired food that has been in the making for four years and is finally delivered to your taste buds.
Dimly lit and effortlessly cool The Rochey is oozing with chilled vibes and super friendly staff. The pub is spacious yet intimate with a cozy interior. Exposed brick walls scattered with posters and neon signs, and fairy lights hanging above the bar combine with a pool table, stage for musical guests and outdoor beer garden.
You may be wondering how an Indian inspired menu works with the whole Aussie pub scene? Oh boy it works so incredibly well, you’re in for a treat. The dining menu begins with classic starters such as crispy prawn sliders in a brioche bun with tangy sweet chilli mayo leaving behind an unexpected smoky flavour, which is an exciting surprise. No pub menu is complete without anything deep-fried and delicious, cue crispy fried chips drizzled in spicy curry, just when you thought chips couldn’t taste any better.
The Rochey’s egg bonda, similar to a samosa but rather a boiled egg coated in onion masala and fried in a sourdough batter, creating a light and crispy shell is a definite highlight on the menu. Vegos and vegans are not missing out there are many flavorsome dishes on offer. Think roasted parsnips sprinkled with chilli crumb, and a unique pulishari dish which is green papaya resting in a cumin and green chilli gravy, kind of like a lighter version of a creamy potato salad.
Main meals are comforting and satisfying like pub food should be but kicked up a notch with a lot of flair. Spicy fish and roast chicken in chilli curry are immensely satisfying accompanied with rice and insanely delicious roti bread, which is as flaky as butter puff pastry. Of course dessert is on the menu with a sweet hot roasted banana adorned with caramel ice cream and sprinkled with crisp coconut… simply mouthwatering.
The stimulating new menu makes The Rochey stand out amongst the pub scene, creating your familiar pub environment juxtaposed with exciting, pungent and spicy dishes bringing the flavours of Kerala local. Booze, delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere The Rochey has your night out covered.