As a venue that prides itself on being ‘Manuka’s pub’, Public Bar has long delivered a great pub experience and so much more to the area. Occupying the eye-catching corner of Franklin Street and Flinders Way, it’s taken advantage of its great location to firmly establish itself as the cornerstone of Manuka’s bar and nightlife scene.
Even from the outside, amongst the groups of people enjoying an alfresco drink, there’s a warm sense of energy and excitement about the place, which continues as you step inside to the lively bar area, complete with white tiled walls and pot plants hanging rom the ceiling. Venture further inside and you’ll find your way to the more intimate dining area, where long tables and soft booths invite you to settle in for a while.
As well as being a diverse space, it’s Public’s contemporary menu that sets it apart from your normal bar or pub. From the appetisers, such as Beef Tartare with Salt & Vinegar Chips or Cider-braised Pork Belly with Wombok Slaw, all the way through to the desserts (Pina Colada with pineapple jelly, coconut ice, vanilla ice cream and macerated pineapple, anyone?), it’s clear that a lot of care and thought has been put into the menu. The same can be said for the just-as-important drinks menu, which includes a range of signature cocktails, craft beers and boutique wines.
When it comes to food trends, soft shell crab has been flying up the charts in recent times, and Public’s Soft Shell Crab Tortillas cleverly pair it with some fresh Mexican flavours. The crab’s crispy batter is a perfect match for the soft, warm tortilla, while the spicy corn salsa and generous drizzle of chipotle mayo really bring the dish to life. It’s a great appetiser to share amongst friends – especially when you’ve got a margarita in your other hand!
A great pub isn’t complete without a great burger, and Public’s Beef Burger certainly lives up to the test. It’s got it all – a juicy beef patty, a layer of smoky bacon, melted cheddar, tangy pickles and lettuce, all sandwiched by a soft glazed bun. And as with any good burger, it requires both hands and your full attention to enjoy.
For a light yet filling summer meal, look no further than the Lamb Shoulder and Quinoa Salad. In this Mediterranean-inspired dish, slow-cooked lamb is shredded and tossed with roasted red peppers, quinoa, cucumber ribbons and rocket, then topped with a herbed yoghurt and surrounded by a candied pistachio crumb. This combination of textures and flavours is sure to satisfy, making it a great dish for lunch or dinner.
For a sweet finish, Public’s take on the Banana Split shows us that old school classics are back and better than ever. But don’t go thinking this is your regular banana split with supermarket chocolate topping and whipped cream from a can – every element of the dish here is of the highest quality, from the perfectly-ripe bananas to the salted caramel ice cream and the rich chocolate sauce. Yes, it’s simple – but oh so satisfying.
Public provides a level of comfort and familiarity that makes it an ideal venue for anything from a quick drink before dinner to an afternoon session in the sun. As other places come and go, it’s reassuring to know that Public will continue to be there for Manuka and represent its people.
