The Scenic Hotel

Norton Summit’s longstanding Scenic Hotel was quietly reinvented by a group of hospo pros (including Jay Marinis from Son of Dot Drinks and Enoch Yates from Golden Boy) at the end of 2020. But given their reputation – together with a recipe of thoughtful pub grub, gorgeous city views, and the occasional big-ticket touring band – it wouldn’t be long before the word spread like wildfire.

The pub’s rambling exterior is picture-perfect against the festoon-lit beer garden, which is little more than an unsealed trail peppered with wine barrels and outdoor furniture, plus a few crackling firepits when it’s chilly. Enchanting sunsets wash over late afternoon punters, who crowd the tables and sip from the wine list packed with lo-fi options – most of them from the Son of Dot stable.

The kitchen plates up some truly inspired dishes by pub standards – kangaroo schnitzels, Ortiz Anchovy soldiers with green sauce, and a playful flank steak tartare served in a Smiths Crisps packet. You might also find a half roast chicken and a pot roast lamb; best chased with one of the old school desserts.

The Scenic also loves to throw the odd bash, whether it’s a day-long Passata-making party, Ute-boot wine show, or an organic and biodynamic food festival.