This was published 13 years ago
Harrigan's Irish Pub, Hunter Valley review: Luck of the inn crowd
No drink-driving ... Harrigan's guest rooms are a short walk from the pub.
The partying never stops as Kristie Lau carves up the dance floor during a pub-stay with a very Irish twist.
THE queue for the women's bathroom is just too long. Hopping around like a mad woman, trying my hardest to wriggle the unmistakeable toilet dance into a far cooler, more subtle foot-tap, I give up. The men's facilities may be the emergency option. But here at Harrigan's, there's an even better next move.
A triumphant grin spreads across my face as I hot-foot it around the corner, room key in hand, flying past the less fortunate foot-tappers and sprint to my room. Staying in pub accommodation very rarely feels this good.
Harrigan's Irish Pub is the place to get down and dirty on the dance floor when the sun sinks and cellar doors latch shut in the Hunter Valley. Yet few visitors to the region seem to realise the lodge accommodation exists - hidden behind the pub and out of sight from the road are 48 guest rooms ranging from studio apartments to multi-bedroom stays.
Four suites have spa baths and fireplaces in the living rooms; each room has either a private balcony or courtyard. Both outdoor options have plenty of room in which to sit and share a cheese plate and a couple of bottles of local vino. There's also a swimming pool and undercover parking on site.
Given previous pub-stay experiences, mostly in Sydney, my expectations are low when a girlfriend and I arrive.
However, at Harrigan's the mini-bar is stocked with local drops, the bed is comfy and there's a big shower and ample bench space at the sink in the bathroom.
Plugging our iPod into the power outlet, we kick up our feet and crack open a bottle. The sun is setting and a cheeky pre-dinner drink is in order.
The least impressive thing about our room is the TV set but who's staying in around here when Elton John and Don McLean are pumping through the speakers at 2am?
The pub is a stone's throw from some of the region's star attractions, including Tempus Two winery and the original Smelly Cheese Shop (there's another outlet inside Tempus Two now).
Harrigan's is also part of Hunter Valley Gardens, so you're a quick stroll from cafes and shops. The gardens themselves have eight kilometres of walking paths, perfect for a scenic stroll to enjoy the flowers and trees before that sunset drink. The area also has excellent leisure facilities, including addictive games of aqua golf - one putt into the right basket can score you a meal at Harrigan's and gift vouchers at the region's wineries.
Dinner at Harrigan's is stock-standard pub fare - my shepherd's pie is huge, while my friend's chicken caesar salad is equally filling. There are daily chalkboard specials, a beef and guinness pie and wood-fired pizzas on the menu. And yes, of course, there's a vast number of Irish beers on tap.
After we dine, we head to the beer garden in high spirits and with full bellies. By midnight, we've made friends with several groups around the place.
We've even invited a couple of the girls we've met back to our room for make-up touch-ups throughout the night. It's a a bit like having your own dressing room on site.
By 1am, Elton John is blaring and we're carving up the dance floor with what looks like a bunch of the toughest locals. Only they're anything but. The men spin and dip us around the room far more capably than most boys in Sydney do. It's a fabulous night and the music rings in our ears when we take 20 or so steps and stumble back to our room just after 3am. At Harrigan's the party doesn't stop.
The writer was a guest of Harrigan's and Tourism NSW.
Trip notes
Where Harrigan's Irish Pub, Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin. (02) 4998 4300, harrigansirishpub.com.au.
Getting there Take the F3, turn off at the Cessnock/Vineyards exit and follow the signs to Cessnock through to Pokolbin.
How much From $240 for a studio room to $540 for a three-bedroom apartment, not including breakfast.
Style statement Less is more — a clean and simple fitout with a touch of Irish charm. Think lacquered wooden furniture and clover-green fabrics.
Perfect for Couples and friends looking for well-priced accommodation in the heart of the Hunter.
Take the kids? Not unless you plan to lock them in your room. All-night festivities keep many guests on the dance floor until the wee hours.
Don't forget Earplugs. If you're keen to retire early, you'll need them to drown out the beats coming from the pub.
A shame about No DVD player.
Kudos The buffet breakfast spread is big. Plus, ample newspapers at the ready.
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