Yaldhurst Hotel for country dining

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34151, 12 May 1976, Page 15

Yaldhurst Hotel for country dining

Just a nice drive into the country and there is the Yaldhurst Hotel ready for an evening meal. And with it are all the advantages of a hotel if you want bar surroundings for a drink after dinner. The Yaldhurst Hotel is a wandering, interesting place, an original building which has been added to and redecorated over the years. It has a modem, six-bedroom guest block at the rear and several bars at the front; and in the middle of the complex is the dining-room. The bedrooms, it may be mentioned in passing, are very comfortable, each comprising a double and single bed and a double divan (with television and the usual offices). One of the powerful characteristics of the Yaldhurst Hotel is the horsey influence. Thus the main bar has some notable sculptures depicting competing horses in action, and there are panels of horse-shoes of such number as to keep the most superstitious of persons pacified. Although many people of strong racing associations use the Yaldhurst it is not nevessary for a diner to have any knowledge of horses in order to enjoy going there to eat. The Yaldhurst is run as a family concern; and the member of the family directly responsible for the conduct of the restaurant is Mrs Valerie McMillan. Blue and purple are the colours distinguishing the restaurant, and they are guaranteed to stir the digestive juices.

Lunch is not a big meal at the Yaldhurst restaurant, but dinner is warmly patronised. Normal seating in the restaurant is for about 90; but for special occasions, and by opening sliding doors to bring in an extension area, the Yaldhurst has been able to deal with more than 130 diners. A peak of 136 was reached at the time of Christmas parties last year. A staff party of 90-odd is taken by the restaurant in its stride. Tire restaurant is ready and willing to handle weddings, and anniversaries, and all group functions. A band for the dining area can be provided by arrangement. For week nights and smaller parties the Yaldhurst turns on a four-course dinner for $4.50. This comprises soup, entree, the main course, and dessert with coffee or tea. The menus are constantly varied. For larger parties and on Saturday nights the restaurant offers a six-course meal for $6.50. This menu has appetiser, soup, entree, the main course, grills, cold buffet, and dessert with coffee, and a cheese board. The Yaldhurst will provide smorgasbord by arrangement at $4.50. Since the restaurant is in a hotel it goes without saying that the standard range of local and imported Wines are available. And to come back to the bars: bar meals are offered at 70c, and may be ordered hot or cold. Some typical meals are curried sausages, shepherd’s pie, and grilled chops, all served with bread and butter.