As Australians tighten their belts amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures, The Last Local pub owner Mickey Phull is backing quality over compromise with his award-nominated steak sandwich.
Value for Money
Mr Phull believes his $31 crunch sandwich delivers value for money with a scotch fillet served on toasted sourdough with crispy bacon, crunchy onions, smoky aioli, rocket, tomato, melted cheese, and chips.
"We prioritise quality cuts of meat and quality products, and we know we aren't a necessity. People choose to come and eat at our restaurant, so we want to offer the best we can," he said.
"It is a scary world we are all living in, but we haven't raised our prices."
Competition Finalists
Mr Phull's restaurant is one of four finalists in the AHAWA-run battle for Perth's best steak sandwich, with the top four venues participating in a live cook-off on July 1.
The other pubs in the running for the title showcase everything from slow-braised beef ribs to premium scotch fillet and picanha in their sandwiches.
- Carrington's Bar and Grill, Hamilton Hill – $30: Scotch fillet on toasted Turkish panini with bacon, Swiss cheese, onion, lettuce, tomato, gherkin, BBQ chimichurri aioli, tomato relish, jalapeño cheeseball, and chips.
- Sorrento Beach Club – $34: MB2+ O'Connor picanha steak on ciabatta with creamy entrecôte sauce, crispy red onions, and parmesan.
- Stirling Arms Hotel, Guildford – $31: Slow-braised beef rib sandwich with mustard onions, pecorino, air-dried salted tomatoes, sweet pickles, and rocket on house-made focaccia.
- The Last Local, Canning Vale – $31: Scotch fillet on toasted sourdough with bacon, crunchy onions, smoky aioli, rocket, tomato, melted cheese, and chips.
Industry Praise
Australian Hotels Association WA chief executive Bradley Woods said the standard of entries continued to rise each year.
"Every year we see venues and chefs push the boundaries with creativity, quality, and fangability," he said.
"The steak sandwich is a true pub classic but in WA it has become an iconic showcase of the talent and passion within our industry."
He said that cost-of-living pressures mean that a great steak sandwich is one of the best-value meals you can enjoy at your local pub.
"(Sandwiches) deliver quality, generosity, and a genuine meal experience without breaking the budget," he said.
Judging Criteria
Judges assess entries on meat tenderness, presentation, originality, sauces, flavour, value, and accompanying sides.
Full List of Finalists
Country WA Venues
- Brugan Brewery/Wokalup Tavern – $36
- Exchange Hotel, Pinjarra – $32
- Settlers Tavern, Margaret River – $33
- Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach – $34
Perth Metropolitan Venues
- Carrington's Bar and Grill, Hamilton Hill – $30
- Sorrento Beach Club – $34
- Stirling Arms Hotel, Guildford – $31
- The Last Local, Canning Vale – $31
