The Union Hotel in Windsor, fronted by former Collingwood star Dane Swan, has for a limited time added dog food to its menu, unless it proves popular.
A Barkin’ Bite Experience is being offered at the Union Hotel, serving up canine cuisine with the parmas and cold beer.
The program is a partnership with Melbourne-based dog food maker Larry’s Lunch, ranging five protein-packed dishes based in beef, chicken, turkey, lamb or fish. Each has been styled by renowned Melbourne chef Raymond Capaldi.
Larry’s Lunch was launched by Aaron Bach after his dog Larry, a labradoodle, was severely injured five years ago by another dog, damaging his skull and jaw and leaving him unable to eat regular dog food.
Bach opted to make Larry gourmet meals fit for human consumption until he recovered, using wholefoods, with chicken, vegetables and rice.
Barkin’ Bites at the Union will be served every Sunday in December (midday-4pm), priced at $12.
In the name of health regulations, doggie dining is to be served in either a bowl or a Larry’s Lunch tray, at ground level, in the courtyard.
Swan is a co-owner of Darcy Group with Matt Darcy, brother to AFL star Luke Darcy. The group also operates the Albion Hotel in South Melbourne and Precinct Hotel in Richmond.
The new menu is being trialled through December at the Union to gauge demand, and it will stay if it gets a paws-up.
Swan remarks that dog-lovers don’t have their charge for a long time and an essential part of having a happy best friend is spending time with them, making the new menu “the perfect excuse to come down and have a few beers with mates and dog”.
