Sir Joseph Banks Hotel - BOTANY

Banksii, I think, is still finding it's feetI can't say I had the fine dining experience that I paid for last night.

Banksii - named for Sir Joseph Banks, the first botanist to come to Australia, not the graffiti artist - has just opened on the soon-to-be-waterfront edge

To disclose, my expectations, particularly concerning service, are high.

I was driving home from work - about to hit the H'ANGRY mark.. when I spied this pub. Yep pub meal was what I was after and I was not let down. It was lunch time on a Wednesday so not too busy. I ordered the pork chop with chips and salad - perfect pub cuisine and OMG - the chips were the most amazing thing I'd tasted in the potato department! I almost kissed the chef hiding in the kitchen! Great value for money and I can't wait to return for dinner (not tonight lol) and see how this pub handles a Friday night! Thumbs up my friend. Thumbs up Ps. Sorry about the photo - couldn't wait!

The last night of our Australian road trip and a need to get the van back early the following morning meant we needed to be in or around Botany - an internet search led us here.The accommodation in clean but basic and we had no "en suite" facilities, so a trip down the hallway was required. Notwithstanding this point, the place was great for an overnighter. Don't be put off by the fact that there appears to be no internal access to the accommodation, the fact that entry codes and keys are required to get through the back door adds to the security.Downstairs, the bar and restaurant is clearly a "local" and all the better for that. The beer is good, with the food being "good pub food" and very enjoyable.