This handsome pub, with its vine-covered verandah and sun-drenched beer garden, would make for a perfect Goldfields pitstop even without being the only place in the world you can get your hands on a “donug” – a bonkers/brilliant chicken nugget doughnut concoction that’s, surprisingly, seriously good. 

It’s not the only thing that’s great about this country pub, for its dining room is one of the best places for a feed this side of Sunbury.  

The kitchen makes the most of the produce of the area, whether a selection of excellent charcuterie from Castlemaine’s Oakwood smallgoods, an exceptional silverbeet and ricotta filo pie served with a pickled cucumber salad, or a contender for the best schnitz in the state. With powerfully minty salsa verde spooned on the side of the perfectly juicy and crunchy-crumbed schnitzel, beans with bite and a red cabbage and fennel slaw finish a faultless plate. 

The “pub chips” – doused in curry gravy and melted cheese – are a nod to publican James McLardy’s Scottish heritage. Teamed with a Holgate brew from up the road, you have an afternoon in the country that’s all style.

Must Eat Dish: Chicken schnitzel