I was invited as a guest at Harlow, an old pub with a modern take on decor and dining. Along with two of my young adult children, who are themselves, excellent reviewers, we came for the Bottomless BBQ lunch. None of us had eaten breakfast but by the time we left, we were satiated with a delicious selection of food. Our host was Ben Lougoon who proves to be an energetic and all-round ideal manager for Harlow. His customer service and attention to detail ensures everyone's needs are attended to. Along with his staff who are well trained in hospitality, I couldn't fault how we were looked after.
From the exterior, Harlow appears like many of the old pubs within the area but its had an upgrade that hits home with locals and visitors from afar. Cleverly keeping the front bar as authentic as possible, the changes start as you move towards the rear where it opens out to a several large areas that can accommodate 100's of people in different spaces. There is the terrace, the outdoor beer garden area that is set over two levels. The beer garden is cleverly covered with a retractable roof, means its an 'all year round' space for patrons and on a sunny November day, proved to be 'the' place to be. There is also a rooftop function space that has some interesting plans coming up, as well as a private area at the basement of the pub (perfect for small corporate or networking groups with a capacity of around 20) and then a funky underground bar area that apparently is popular for the late night visitors. As we left, we were also shown the upstairs private function space with its own bar and can seat 60 or standing room for 160. With views of Church Street and at night, the lights of Melbourne, it would be a nice spot to book out for say, a Christmas Party, reception, or general gathering of friends/colleagues.
Now let's get to the food. We sat outside in the beer garden area that has comfortable benches scattered with cushions and warm, modern timber tables.
We shared drinks of wine, cider and lemon, lime & bitters (someone has to drive). On each table are the mandatory items of sauce, napkins, cutlery but also a QR code which if you scan your phone's camera across, you'll see the menu on your phone - pictures are worth a 1,000 words and they certainly had us ready for a culinary treat.
The first tray to arrive was a spread of the most delicious potato salad, curried cauliflower with raisins (nice touch), coleslaw and macaroni cheese along with large pickles and buttered bread. Ahhh, it felt like being at Gran's house.
The next tray had 'drunken lamb ribs' which were my favourite but my kids found the 'pork butts with a dirty hippy coffee rub' the best. But let's not stop there. The tray was brimming with smoked cheese kranskys, beer brined chicken wings, more pickles and VB drenched onions and Harlow hot sauce.
The portion size of each was generous and frankly, we only just made it through everything with our bellies bursting by the end of the meal. It took 90 minutes but we got there in the end. For $59 with bottomless meats and side salads plus a great selection of wine, beer and spritz - it's great value for money. Bonus - there is also a DJ to take the atmosphere to the next level.
There are weekly specials available and I'd suggest you go to the Harlow website to check out what's on and what's coming up.
I would highly recommend Harlow for anyone who is looking for a venue, for a gathering, to catch up with friends after work, to watch a game on the large TV screen, shoot some pool with mates or generally, just hang out. The food is brilliant and the service is second-to-none.
Well done Team Harlow.
Notes: There is seating on Church Street if you want to sit out the front. Wheelchair accessible including a lift to all floors. Kid friendly. Dietaries are catered for - just let the waiting staff know and they'll do their best. Billiard table and large flat screen TV in bar. Parking can be challenging just because it's Richmond but persevere and you'll find something - or catch a tram which runs out the front or Richmond station is only a short distance away.

Harlow is the old Great Britain Hotel which now has a facelift and a serious makeover.

This pub is slick, with a great outdoor area and a number of different areas in which to chillax.

The beers are mainly commercial with White Rabbit Dark Ale thankfully. Lol

The gin was Four Pillars, which was great and the service, well the bartenders were distracted and not very attentive.

I was going to order some more drinks but it was all too hard really when I couldn't get the bartenders attention.

Overall this place is a major step up from the Great Britain with its light interior and new areas.

But for some reason the blokes room was downstairs. Not sure why.