Perth Voice Interactive

WHERE do you take young kids to eat at Crown Perth without breaking the bank?

There’s some good value eateries on the gaming floor – Junction Grill and 88 Noodle Bar – but they’re 18+ so out of the equation.

Once you’ve chalked off the upmarket places like Modo Mio, Nobu and Rockpool Bar and Grill, it only really leaves Market & Co and The Merrywell.

There is the ‘Food Hall’ but it’s not really a proper food hall – a Maccas, Subway and Noodle Box in a pokey annex at the Riverside entrance.

My sister-in law, who was visiting from Victoria and staying at the casino with her family, burst out laughing when she walked into the ‘food hall’ – comparing it to the real deal at Crown Melbourne.

With four ravenous under-nines and a jet-lagged three-year-old in tow, we decided to hit The Merrywell, which looked like a casual, family-friendly pub.

On early Sunday evening, there was a good atmosphere at the bustling venue with music playing and people streaming in and out.

It had a nice beer garden where a talented young singer was belting out classics with an acoustic guitar, drum machine and a fascinating looking synth violin.

He was going down a storm with the mums and kids, who were dancing to cheesy classics like Simply The Best and We Are The People.

Inside, The Merrywell was big, loud and brash – think an American-style pub/restaurant.

It was super busy, but somehow we managed to secure a table for 10, as they had an area with super long tables near the window.

The menu was unashamedly pub grub with burgers/American-style sangers, loaded fries, pub classics like fish and chips and chicken parmi, salads, and jumbo share plates including crispy fish tacos, buffalo wings and nachos.

There was nothing that exciting on there but all the old favourites were covered and price-wise it was comparable to most pubs in Perth.

The ordering system was good – your bought drinks at the bar and there was a seperate booth for ordering food, which really sped up the service. A great idea.

With it so busy, I thought we’d be in for a lengthy wait, but it wasn’t long before the waitress was at our table with the grub.

My chicken poke bowl ($24) was pile high with grilled chicken breast and a medley of salad and veg including lettuce, avocado, roasted cauliflower, pickled red onion and pumpkin seeds.

All the serves in The Merrywell are huge and this was no exception, so it’s good value for money.

The chicken was decent quality but a tad dry, and it only came to life when doused in the accompanying vinaigrette.

The real star was the accompanying mound of avocado, quinoa, pumpkin seeds and cherry tomatoes. And my new favourite food – edamame beans – which added a lovely texture and fresh burst to the dish.

For $24 it was great value with tons of veg and salad; it’s just a shame the chook wasn’t quite up to scratch.

My wife was busy tucking into her halloumi and mushroom burger ($25).

“The brioche bun is lovely and soft, and the field mushroom has a nice meaty punch and goes really well with the grilled haloumi. Mind you, what doesn’t?” she said.

“I really like the crispy ‘ripped’ potatoes with herb aioli. It’s a nice change from fries and adds a flavour twist. Overall a lovely burger, if a little on the greasy side.”

Once we managed to drag our kids off the dance floor, they tucked into their mini cheeseburgers and fries ($15) from the kids menu.

It was good value – they got two cheeseburger sliders and a decent portion of chips. The kids menu also had fish and chips, Mac and cheese, and chicken tenders.

My sister-in law’s husband went for the Korean-style fried chicken bao buns (three for $24) from the share menu (even though he wasn’t sharing). He waved the white flag after two of the monstrous buns, but said they were tasty and filling, and hit the spot after a day of traipsing around Kings Park.

The food was okay at The Merrywell, but the overall experience was very enjoyable with live music, quick and friendly service, and family-friendly entertainment for the kids.

I know it’s a casino for adults, but Crown Perth should really have a proper food court and more family-friendly options that don’t break the bank.

The Merrywell
Crown Perth, Burswood
crownperth.com.au/restaurants/the-merrywell

by STEPHEN POLLOCK