Hotel Spencer Bar and Dining Room, West Melbourne (by invitation) by Obelix

Hotel Spencer Bar and Dining Room is conveniently located in West Melbourne, just a skip from either Flagstaff or Southern Cross stations.  More importantly, it is within a stone's throw of Festival Hall which makes it a handy place to know if you are looking for eats pre/post show.

Kiddo and I experienced the warm hospitality of the staff during weekday lunch.  The food service was prompt, which makes it a contender for quick work lunches.  We sampled the very generously sized antipasto platter as well as spring rolls for starters.  The antipasto platter were to share and came with garlic bread.  It was a very substantial platter and had lots of chargrilled veggies, moreish hams and even some caramelised onion...mmmm...

The spring rolls were vegetarian and came out piping hot.

Our mains dishes

My swordfish was like a work of art on the plate.  It was well cooked without being over dry and the salad was crunchy and zesty to contrast with the almost meaty flesh of the swordfish.

Kiddo went for the salt and pepper squid with Asian salad with a serve of double fried fries.  The fries - OMG, were ah-ma-zing.  The squid was delightful too.  I managed to snaffle a few off Kiddo.

We were two teetotallers so had a selection of non alcoholic drinks to go with the meal.  However the bar at Hotel Spencer is what many come for.

If you are an architecture buff then there are plenty of historical features to interest you.

The dining area boast an operational open fire with a newly refinished mantle.  I hear the seats by the open fire are the first to be booked up...so get in quick if you want a place by the fire.

Verdict:  We loved it.

Overall
Hotel Spencer Bar and Dining Room has a warm and inviting ambiance.  There are daily specials and Happy Hour Specials abound. They serve great pub food and it is conveniently located.