An emphasis on family friendly fun and a resurgence in classic pub meals has seen Canning Vale pub The Last Local named as a finalist in the Australian Hotel Association’s Hospitality Awards For Excellence.
Owner Mickey Phull took over what was formerly the Last Drop Brewery six months ago, and has dedicated his time to revamping the pub into a destination for families to enjoy a drink and a classic pub meal.
“This is really about being a local pub from a time when your local pub was a place you could go to relax, and a place that was reliable,” he said.
“We’re not a place that promotes heavy drinking, we don’t promote a happy hour or anything like that, we don’t support rowdy crowds at all.
“Our vision is to be a friendly place to have a meal and a quiet drink, and I think that is a large part of why we made the finals.”
While he’s partial to a steak sandwich, having been named as cooking WA’s best three times, Mr Phill said a big emphasis in the Last Local kitchen was bringing back dishes that had been forgotten, that could only ever be seen at a pub.
“Take for instance a mixed grill, which we have on our menu, you would never see a restaurant doing a mixed grill and it’s a dish that has been forgotten about.
“It’s the same with bangers and mash, you can make these classic pub dishes with good local ingredients and it brings a sense of nostalgia, but it is modern at the same time.
“Even the humble banana split, almost everyone likes it but I bet you have not seen it for some time.”
Mr Phull said the tudor-style pub was in the middle of renovating its beer garden to make it even more family friendly.
“We’re putting in an area for the kids, a sand pit with toys where you can still keep an eye on our kids while you enjoy a meal, a drink with your partner or your friends.”
The AHA Hospitality Awards winners will be announced on November 10.
