As one of the latest dining establishments to hit the newly reinvigorated Eastland shopping precinct, the concept of Hunter & Barrel has been brewed out of a passion for creating food that pays homage to ancient cooking rituals. It is a celebration of the traditional ways of gathering and preparing food (the ‘Hunter’) and its marriage between an intricately crafted beverage menu (the ‘Barrel’).
Hunter & Barrel’s concept of local produce and its proximity to one of Australia’s best wine and produce regions, the Yarra Valley, means that dishes are prepared using some of the finest ingredients available – not to mention also possessing a fantastic wine and craft beer selection.
The food is unapologetically raw and hearty, as are its drinks. It’s signature cocktail, the Chieftain, for example, takes the form of belvedere vodka that has been washed with the juices from a charcoal cooked chicken, finished with fresh watermelon. If melon and cured meats already work well together, why not a liquid form? (It’s delicious, by the way)
For the desserts, it’s hard to not fall in love with decadent dishes like the Chocolate & Marshmallow roast, a grown up take on the traditional S’more.
Overall, Hunter & Barrel have done a fantastic job at bringing in introducing such a unique concept to the Eastland precinct and with several intimate dining areas and private dining rooms, it’s no doubt a great spot for larger-group catch ups and any long dining affairs.
The food
The Chieftain
Chilli garlic prawns with butter and lemon
Chicken wings with hot & sweet sauce
Selection of roast meats: coal roasted chicken, crispy pork belly, sausage plate, slow roasted beef rib
Cast iron button mushrooms with garlic butter
Negroni
Chocolate and marshmallow roast with biscuits
Hunter & Barrel
171-175 Maroondah Highway
Ringwood, Melbourne
Table to Paper was invited to the media dinner of Hunter and Barrel by AMPR Group. Opinions and photos are our own.