114 Terrace Rd, Guilford
Ph: (08) 9378 4484
www.padburysrestaurant.com.au
History, treasure and food
The Padbury building is steeped in history. As you set foot inside the restaurant you could be taken back in time perusing the display of treasures from years gone by; old fashioned scales, flour tins and an abundance of local Guilford memorabilia. Named after Walter Padbury, a pioneer from the first colony who opened up land and grazing, organized the first telegraph line from to Adelaide connecting Perth to the rest of the world, and was the first millionaire in Western Australia. He was one of the first people to import goods from overseas and from this building he also exported West Australian products to the world. The story of this building and the man it’s named after is truly inspiring!
Now run by John Tran, Padburys is typically ‘modern Australian’ in it’s cuisine, with a menu with plenty to choose from there is something for everyone.
The standout dish for me was the ‘Pan fried lemon pepper paprika quail’, beautifully presented and a great way to start the meal. My guest had the ‘Caprese salad’, along with the usual suspects it had smoked salmon and baby capers and was so fresh and tasty, really showing that a simple combination of good flavours is always a winner!
For mains we had the ‘Eye fillet’ with potato rosti, a lovely home made jus and fresh asparagus. Well cooked and well presented, any steak lover would be happy with this generous portion of West Australian beef.
The second main was ‘Slow oven-roasted pork belly served with braised bacon, date, savoy cabbage with honey butter baked apple sauce’. The meat was juicy and tender and the use of cabbage and apples complimented the pork. This again was a big meal so great value for money if you have a good appetite!
Now for my favourite part of the meal, dessert…… The ‘Apple brulee with apple jus’ gave a good crack as we dug into the caramel, the creamy brulee beneath sat on tender apple pieces with a moat of freshly crushed apple juice, naturally sweet and utterly delicious.
This is a great place to come with your family and big groups are easily catered for. There are also a few nooks and crannies rumoured to provoke a few marriage proposals. While you are there you can browse through the endless old newspapers and gaze upon the memorabilia.
Padburys is open for breakfast at the weekends and is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday with BYO wine. The menu changes with the season and there is a good selection of daily specials with entrees ranging from $11 – $24, mains from $30 to a $50 Wagyu fillet and desserts $8 – $15. There is a good pasta, kids and salad menu as well as the above.
I would definitely recommend a visit but make sure you have enough time to relax and soak up the ambiance and have a good look at all the articles and old photographs.
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By Chef Sophie Budd
