Kent Hotel

Firstly let’s establish that this place has lovely ambiance and service. It is indeed family friendly and has tables outside to eat alfresco on those hot summer night.
However, truthfully this review is more about the food, and while it was ok, it was a bit lacklustre. Or better said, the savoury food was a bit disappointing, desserts were significantly better.
It all started with the slightly thick base on the Melanzane (eggplant) pizza and bit too oily Zucchini flower fritters. Then the prawn and chorizo risotto was ok (but had sub-​standard chorizo) and the Nicoise salad main was good (but a tiny portion). The rest of the mains were standard pub dishes but overall good.
Desserts were much better with the passionfruit trifle the stand out but again, the doughnuts were a bit meh… for being little balls the cinnamon they were covered was so overwhelming that even stunning vanilla bean ice-​cream couldn’t save them. Still the peanut butter parfait was very good, and chocolate mousse nice.
Overall, this place is a good, crowd pleaser, which is better that your average pub fare but definitely NOT the one if you are looking for an amazing foodie experience.

In the middle of Carlton North’s quaint Rathdowne Village, the Kent Hotel is suitably family-​friendly. I’ve seen more kids at this pub than any other in the area, now that I think about it.
The big front courtyard looks out on Curtain Square, and is a popular spot on warm nights to grab a pizza or pasta and watch the world go by. The food is good Mediterranean fare, a cut above your average pub but not silver service. If you’d prefer to eat in the park or at home they also offer take away pizza.
Inside the dining is slightly more formal (i.e. fewer prams) but still relaxing. The Kent has an excellent range of wines — it’s in Rathdowne Village after all — from Australia, Italy and other parts of Europe. They also have heaps of bottle and tap beers to choose from and offer cocktails. Service is professional, friendly and knowledgeable. If you’re looking for a venue to enjoy a family night out in the northern ‘burbs, but La Porchetta isn’t your style, this is a pretty good bet.