Photography by Madeline Bishop
It truly is a classic pub.
Located on the corner of Queensberry and Cardigan Street, The Lincoln is easy to spot. It’s vintage-tiled exterior stands out as the neighbourhood’s classic watering hole amongst the apartments and office buildings that are springing up around Carlton.
The original tiled floor leads up to a wraparound wooden bar. Boasting a wide variety of spirits and an impressive selection of local craft beers on tap, as well as a massive wine list of both local and imported options, you’ll be able to find a drop to go with whatever food you order.
While the menu offers some pub classics, The Lincoln are going for something a little different in their dining.
For starters you can’t go past the spanner crab, served in a house-made prawn cracker. The meat is tender, with a paprika hit on the top for a little spice. The dill flavouring sets everything off while the outer cracker combines it all on a savoury, crunchy bed. It can be consumed in one bite, however I’d recommend savouring this dish, as it’s incredibly moreish.
If you’re after something a little different, there’s the stracciatella served with heirloom tomatoes and shallots. The cool cheesy soup is almost like eating straight melted bocconcini. The dairy is matched perfectly with a medley of Italian staples, including rich tomato flavours that really rule the dish. The shallots and cheese work to create a taste that lingers on your tongue long after each bite.
As a main, their Lincolnshire sausage is made in-house and served on a fluffy bed of mash with a generous helping of caramelised onion on top. It’s a hearty sausage filled with tender meat that has an almost minty flavour that creeps up on the tastebuds, while the buttery potatoes add that classic element, making it an upscale twist on a pub classic.
The chickpea panisse with salt-baked vegetables stands out as a fantastic vegetarian option. Generously garnished with shaved pecorino, it’s roasted to perfection with a slight crunch that is followed by a soft and delicious chickpea flavour, while the salt-baked vegetables add a unique saltiness. It’s modest in size, but that’s far from a bad thing.
Hotel Lincoln’s food is full of charm and character, which is reflected in the pub’s atmosphere, making this classic venue an absolute must-visit.