Public servants of a certain age will remember Friday afternoon drinks at Old Parliament House, but as I discovered when chatting to a young foodie recently, I am old. Lots of other people don’t realise that within the grounds of OPH there is actually a bustling bar and restaurant – Hoi Polloi.
At the back of the grandiose building, that once housed pollies and welcomed heads of state, is something for the rest of us, the hoi polloi, if you will. Historically , it was the only area of the grounds where all kinds of lackies could get a drink. Now it’s a comfortably appointed space where you can enjoy a few drinks and some great food.
Hoi Polloi are currently offering three specials and we recently checked them out.
Friday Night Drinks
They’re back! I arrived on a Friday afternoon to a packed house, which was no surprise given outside was freezing they were serving mulled wine and warm cider inside. Who doesn’t love a warm drink on a winter’s eve? Throw in a generous cheese platter or some warm nibbles, like pizza slices, and you might have trouble getting me out.
The layout of the room really lends itself to unwinding and having a chat – lots of nooks and couches where you can huddle and talk about the latest theory on global affairs. Or what you’re watching on Netflix. Either way, come out of the cold and grab a drink.
It’s not all mulled wine, either. Hoi Polloi offers a fully stocked bar and each month there’s a different theme. This month it’s Christmas in July and you can cup warm cups of hot buttered rum! The food changes regularly to match.
Details
Time available: From 4pm til late
Day available: Friday
What’s included: Food and drink available for purchase
Bookings required? No
High Tea
On weekends, we have tea. As your high tea emerges on a fancy, tiered platter, you get the distinct feeling you’re not the first patrons to be sipping tea and eating fluffy scones in the precinct. After all, Queen Lizzy paid this place a visit back in 1954.
The first offering was savoury. Crisp, little quiches alongside a beef slider for a slightly more modern edge. But, never fear, the obligatory salmon and cucumber finger sandwiches were also present on blissfully squidgy white bread. Crusts off of course.
Time for sweets. Decadent little bites like brownies and a mini tiramisu. And of course, those scones. They filled the top tier, served with cream and an artisan jam. I dare not divide the room with questions of which you’re supposed to spread first!
Served with a glass of bubbles, tea or coffee and a relaxing atmosphere, this is a classy way to celebrate a special occasion or catch up with friends. There are vegetarian and gluten free options available too.
Details
Time available: Two sessions at 11:30am and 1:00pm
Day available: Saturday and Sunday
Price: $49pp
What’s included: Three tiers of mixture of sweet and savoury food, plus a glass of sparkling wine and a tea or coffee.
Bookings required? Yes. Visit their website to make a booking.
Sunday Roast
A roast on Sunday is an Aussie cultural institution, a bit like OPH. We arrived just after noon and the place was already packed. Sitting in a sunny spot outside, we had a pretty view of the courtyard as we awaited our entrée of pumpkin soup. It was rich and flavoursome – just don’t fill up too much because the roast portions are generous.
We had a choice between a perennial favourite, roast lamb with mint jelly, or a turkey and cranberry roll and we chose one of each. Both were served with roast veg and the choice of rosemary gravy or mushroom sauce. We were told that the menu changes regularly but, if you like seasoned, tender meat and rich sauce with some veg on the side, you’ll always find something you like here.
It’s also a bit of a bargain at $19.90. And if you’re coming with someone who isn’t a roast lover, divorce them. Kidding. There is another menu they can order from and this includes options for children too.
Details
Time available: 11:30am to 2:30pm
Day available: Sunday
Price: $19.90 for adults, $12.50 for children under 12
When it’s available until: Autumn and Winter only
What’s included: Entrée and main
Bookings required? No
Check out Hoi Polloi’s website for more information. You can also find Hoi Polloi on Instagram.
This is a sponsored post but all opinion’s are the author’s own.
About the author:
Emma Bickley is an irrepressible foodie who divides her time between cooking, eating and a few other tasks that pale into insignificance by comparison. She tries to follow recipes but ultimately cooks by feel… and with an irresponsible amount of butter. Even her small children (AKA culinary protégés) already know that no one eats until a photograph has been taken. You can find her food pics on Instagram @photo_before_we_eat or find her blissfully wandering around the markets squeezing produce, talking with her hands, encouraging her husband to smell things (which he won’t) and trying to decipher foreign ingredient labels. Of recent, you can also find her writing and dining for Eat Canberra. And if you ask about the stain on her top, she’ll say it was delicious.
Emma Bickley
Emma is an irrepressible foodie who divides her time between cooking, eating and a few other tasks that pale into insignificance by comparison. She tries to follow recipes but ultimately cooks by feel... and with an irresponsible amount of butter. Even her small children (AKA culinary protégés) already know that no one eats until a photograph has been taken. You can find her food pics on Instagram @photo_before_we_eat or find her blissfully wandering around the markets squeezing produce, talking with her hands, encouraging her husband to smell things (which he won’t) and trying to decipher foreign ingredient labels. Of recent, you can also find her blogging for Eat Canberra. And if you ask about the stain on her top, she’ll say it was delicious.