The Principal Bar Restaurant - Midland

Okay so all those poor reviews you read previously unfortunately we’d agree too for that period. Perhaps the chef during that time was having a bad few months I dunno. After about three visits with bad food, we thought we’d given up on this place. Yesterday we decided to give it one last crack and to our surprise the place had been revamped and so we hoped so was the chef. Hubby thoroughly enjoyed his spicy chicken parmigiana and my oldest son enjoyed his ribs (albeit he has had better) while I didn’t really enjoy the fettuccine marinara so much as it was a bit on the bland side. But I didn’t totally hate it. Overall it was definitely an improvement on past experience.

Tonight I had the pork belly with roasted veggies and apple sauce. All was delicious although I expected roast spuds/carrots etc but received pumpkin, mushroom and cherry tomatoes. I also asked for a side of red wine jus as I'm a gravy person and I'm glad I did as the apple sauce made the dish quite sweet. Dessert I had the caramel ice cream with honeycomb, the honeycomb won me over to order the dish but sadly it was bitter, too far gone. All in all a good experience and the waitress we had was amazing. She should be commended.

The staff were really accommodating when I requested to have a burger served without the bun when I was doing a low-carb thing. Chill atmosphere and spacious venue with plenty of different areas to sit, both inside and outside. Outside heating makes it a bit more comfortable in winter.

Used to go here a fair bit when it first opened. It got better. Lots better. <br/ The house beers are varied, and cheap, and tasty. I enjoyed the Pilsner first up followed by the beer of the month, summer ale. <br/ The ale was fruity as the floor of an orchid. Which I look for at times. <br/ It feels slightly healthier than cheap domestic beer. <br/ So try and argue with an $8.50 pint in Perth. <br/ The menu was modern and fresh. Though I'm not confident many Midland folk would order the Spiced Spatchcock. <br/ Especially this bloke. <br/ <br/ I settled on the char grilled scotch fillet with bacon onion mash. <br/ I ordered the steak medium well, and it arrived well well well. <br/ Small serve too so I'm glad I ordered the wedges. <br/ Took a bit longer than I'd expect to be served. Flavor was excellent. Price wasn't. <br/ $36 for a slightly above average pub steak. <br/ The principal is what it is. And they're doing it pretty well. <br/ Drop a few bob off the prices and I'll be a regular patron again.

I can always rely on the Principal for a decent meal. Good location right next to Midland Gate, where you can enjoy a well deserved bevy after a hard day of shopping. Great atmosphere and friendly staff are another plus.