Blue Gums Hotel - Fairview Park

This restaurant in Adelaide is known for its incredibly oily calamari, heavily breaded schnitzel, and a tendency to overcook the chips while leaving them raw on the inside.

I don't usually visit this area of Adelaide, mainly because the people I knew here have all moved away.

The Blue Gums is a suburban pub that is trying to shed its suburban image. The front bar and beer garden have been renovated and now have a fresh, modern look that is attractive to customers.

Went for tea 2 weeks ago with my family who came from interstate unfortunately we didn't have the hindsight to book. The place was packed. Unfortunately we couldn't get a table on a Friday night inside so we had to sit outside. It was really cold even with the heaters on. The food was a good pub meal, my dad loved the oysters kilpatric. The service was a bit lacking thou our food arrived even before we got our cutlery and had to ask for it a couple of times. I do think it is a bit cheeky that if you only want a entree (instead of a main) you get charged an extra $5 service fee. Which is basically the same price as a main anyway. Let's face it not everyone can eat a main or if you get a couple of entree and you don't want the main you still get charged!

For past 9 months or so, every fortnight my wife and I have been catching up with a group of friends and family for dinner at the Blue Gums. That works out to about 160 meals at our table on about 20 occasions. Very pleased to report that the Blue Gums meets or exceeds expectation 99% of the time. Collectively, my wife, family, friends and I have tried most meals from the comprehensive menu, and we are almost always very impressed. A nice atmosphere, friendly and cheerful ... cool in summer and warm in winter. Staff are always pleasant and efficient. Reasonable prices for both food and drink. Ample parking by the door. Blue Gums is always popular and well patronised.