The Pig & Whistle - Main Ridge

As a local resident I've been visiting "The Pig" for many years now, including twice now in the past month for lunch/dinner. I don't write this review out of spite, as I love the joint (as a watering hole) and hope this review can be taken on board as constructive.Unfortunately it is simply hit or miss for dinning, you really are rolling the dice by choosing to eat here over the many great restaurants nearby. Someday's things run smoothly and the food is pretty good, other times (it's no secret) terrible.Anyway here's what I think management should consider to make things operate a little better, the quality of produce is up to you guys.1. Stop packing the joints with large groups! Yes, they provide $$ but the kitchen clearly can't handle it hence the regular wait times of over an hour & cold food. It also causes massive congestion at the bar when 10+ ppl all get up to order individually.Break the large tables up into small ones so meals can roll out continually rather than bottle neck. 2. You have great staff, get with the times and let take orders at tables like a proper restaurant. This will ease the queue at the bar and keep the dockets hitting the kitchen. Otherwise if you want guests to order themselves set up a separate servery area for this. 3. Sounds petty but unfortunately common sense/courtesy doesn't happen with most guests, the last two times I've visited we've been sat in front of the door through to the outside smoking area. Every time someone comes in and out from having a smoke or joining a friend out there an icy cold breeze blows through ad the door is left open. Lock the **** door! Anyone wanting to go outside should use the main entry where tables aren't effected.All that being said I'll be back in the next week or so as you guys pour a great Guinness, have great staff and such a unique venue for this neck of the woods. I wish you all the best and hopefully oneday will roll the dice and try eating there again.

Sunday 2nd July 2017. We arrived a little early which was no problem, and we were greeted by friendly staff and was quickly seated near the roaring fire, it was a very cold day. We started the meal with a ploughman's plate (cheese, pickled onions, tomato chutney, salad greens and warm bread) to share between us, I had the roast pork with vegetables and yorkshire pudding, which was succulent with a nice piece of crackling, it was a generous serving. My husband had the trio of roasts which consisted of ham, turkey and pork with vegetables, also a generous serving. We also had desert I had the sticky date pudding, it would have to be the best I have ever had, and my husband had the christmas pudding and custard which was also delicious. Overall the meal was fantastic and prompt and efficient service and not obtrusive friendly staff. We will return and next time we will try the Pork Belly which was recommended by Dean who we had an informative chat by the fire. Teresa & Mike Thank you ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It resembled an English tavern stuck in the middle of the wood, far from civilization, timber looking, chimneys, etc. although it comes complete with a Melbourne "looking" outdoor dining area, completes with outdoor umbrellas.We love the interior, although set up quite "dark", it has just about every aspect of a great English wooden tavern; fireplaces, benches, booth, memorabilia, beer mugs, port jugs, signage, travel, golf, full of things hanging everywhere, on the wall, ceiling, etc. you name it they've got it.Food wise, big serve, from their version of Antipasto - Grazing Board to mains and an average size for desserts, although I was hoping for a bigger Sticky Date pudding :-) that's just me. Not your traditional tavern/pub Menu, still a comfort food but more up to date stuff on the Menu; Seafood; Salmon, Barramundi and the likes, although they have their traditional Bangers & Mash, Parma too.Our orders; The Steak Roll and Fish of The Day were well made and quite tasty, love those seasoned, fat chips, "air dried" cooked taste.Our cleanskin Pinot Noir was good too, not the most refined but perfectly accompanying our meals.So it's not your average country tavern .... however with a bit of refinement it would go a long way though, bigger ain't always better.Can't miss a name like that, a definite fun place to dine, great work guys in providing a dining option in this remote area, thank you and wish you well, JT - 17/05/2017

Went for lunch. I had Fish and Chips -very tasty and chips lovely. My husband had sausage and mash and they were really lov ely.

After driving by for the last 2 years I decided to see what the Pig & Whistle was like so off we went, the bride and me, to have lunch.Dean selected a table close to the fire and was the perfect host - attentive but not encroaching - explaining the specials and bringing our beverages.Both of us opted for the porthouse which was done to perfection and to my lady's liking. Top marks chef!I can tell you we'll be back because I promised Dean and I always keep my word.Keep the Kilkenny on tap mate!!!!!