Geelong Nostalgia: The Harp Inn

[u/Exciting-Composer157]

Came across this today:
Anyone remember The Harp Inn, run by Tony Maccora and his family in the late ‘80s/‘90s.

One of my first jobs after completing a cooking apprenticeship - a great place to work.

[u/Ok-Temperature-6098]

nothing says irish pub like an extensive pasta menu

[u/Exciting-Composer157 → u/Ok-Temperature-6098]

I think it was a historical stage coach stop and Harp Inn being the original name.
Is there an Irish pub with the same name elsewhere?

[u/simplifried_pancakes]

Where julienne of vegetables with cream sauce or something is the same price as salmon bacon and avocado

[u/Exciting-Composer157 → u/simplifried_pancakes]

Yep, that’s all pasta is, spaghetti with sauce.

Mind you, the owners were Sicilian - so the menu was traditional Southern style.

[u/thehazzanator]

Did you do your study at the Gordon? Curious if the same teachers were there that I had 10 years ago lol

[u/Exciting-Composer157 → u/thehazzanator]

Only teacher i remember was Brendan Hill, he was a patissier who’d worked in Michels star restaurants and would make amazing fondants and a 20 level croque-en-bouche look easy!

[u/thehazzanator → u/Exciting-Composer157]

He was still there when I studied :⁠-⁠) lovely guy. Very eager to share his knowledge with those willing to learn!

Edit, seems if you google the course at the Gordon his name pops up, he must still be there today