Pub of the Week: Where easy riders go for a shandy in the sun
I’m a motorcyclist’s other half. So, on a Sunday I can either take my place on those pillion pegs or get left behind while he’s out with the other woman – the other woman being a rather large, black British bike.
I secretly (not so secret now) think he just wants to ride the thing for the sake of it, however it appears to be far less pointless a vehicle if he rides it somewhere to do something. Thus, most weekends the Dayboro Pub and a shandy with a side of chips and gravy are our ‘somewhere’ and ‘something’.
At nearly 100 years old the Crown Hotel, as it’s formally known, sits perched on the intersection of the town’s main drag. On any given Saturday or Sunday ‘moto’ guys and gals occupy the outdoor tables with a beverage, admiring the street machines lined up out front.
The road leading out to the pub is definite Escape to the Country material. I like to drift into winning-lotto daydreams while on the back of the bike. I choose a cute cabin on acreage with a goat and a wee pony. Rolling hills, grazing cattle and that magical afternoon light make for a stunning drive from Brisbane.
Once we’re parked, it’s time for a hot snack and a light beverage (no drinking and driving)! The no-nonsense bartender lass asks, “What are you after, darling?” Mr tough-guy easy rider answers, “Two shandies: half lemonade, half light” – we’re living on the edge.
With girly bevies in hand and a bowl of hot chips with chicken salt, we sit back in the afternoon winter sun and watch the bikes come and go – big ones, small ones, expensive ones, classic ones. Of course, you don’t need a motorbike to enjoy this establishment – just a free afternoon, some wheels and a hankering for good old-fashioned service and pub grub.
More information:
The Crown Hotel is located on the corner of McKenzie Bradley and William Streets, Dayboro. It’s a 45-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD. P: (07) 3425 1101
*Main image Photography Asunder
