Elaine’s Railway Hotel reopens with fresh menu and makeover

After an extensive renovation, Elaine’s Railway Hotel has reopened its doors, bringing new life to a country pub that has been part of this tiny Midland Highway township for around 150 years.

New owners Sean and Carolyn have refreshed the historic weatherboard hotel while retaining the character you want from an old country pub – a traditional front bar, relaxed dining spaces and plenty of room outside for a drink or meal in the country air. And with Guinness pouring on tap, there’s more than a hint of Ireland about the place.

That Irish influence carries through to an unexpectedly interesting menu. Alongside familiar pub favourites such as chicken parmigiana, fish and chips and burgers, you’ll find slow-cooked Beef and Guinness Pie, Irish Lamb Stew with house-made Irish soda bread, Seafood Chowder and Corn Chowder, plus a hearty vegetable stew with grilled polenta.

The smaller plates continue the theme with smoked salmon on house-made Guinness soda bread, while Elaine’s Spice Bag brings together crumbed chicken, chunky chips, capsicum and red onion with the pub’s signature seasoning.

Lunch has its own relaxed selection, including chowders, burgers, house-made sausage rolls, toasties and a Farmer’s Lunch of cured meats, cheeses and preserved vegetables with house-made Irish soda bread. Half serves of several main dishes are also available, making it a particularly handy stop for travellers looking for something lighter.

There are good options for different diets too, with the hearty vegetable stew, and the hotel advises that almost all dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request. It’s worth mentioning dietary requirements when ordering.

Sitting right on the Midland Highway between Ballarat and Geelong, Elaine’s Railway Hotel is an easy road-trip stop – although with a characterful old pub, an Irish-leaning menu and a freshly restored bar, there’s now a pretty good argument for making Elaine the destination itself.