The Vale is a suburban surprise. Inside has a modern warehouse vibe without being pretentious. A beer garden offers a more relaxed setting with shaded tables and a grassed area for those that want a bit of sun. Throw in big screens in the sports bar and this makes for a local that caters for everyone.

The menu cements this joint firmly in the “gastro pub” realm.  As well as the pub classics, diners can expect to see pizzas, interesting share plates and noteworthy dishes such as steak with Shark Bay prawns, a seafood platter and southern fried chicken burger.

Mac n cheese bites are a good option to kick things off, as are the jalapeño poppers. Whole fried chillies stuffed with cream cheese, bacon and sour cream should have had more punch but were still big on flavour.

Chicken parmigiana – it’s the litmus test of pub food. These guys smash it for six. A tender fillet of crumbed chicken breast topped with… of course… ham, napoletana sauce and lashings of melted cheese is served with crunchy beer batter chips and a salad gusty enough to be more than a garnish. It’s a simple classic but when a parmi is done well, it’s heaven and worth returning for.

For those that prefer something a bit more high end, order the roast pork belly. Three slabs of pork belly on mash is served with tender scallops. It’s a classic combination but why mess with what works? Caramelised apple, asparagus and red wine sauce round this dish out nicely. A decent helping of crackling tops it all off.

Kids aren’t forgotten here. $12 gets them a meal such as a cheeseburger and chips, pasta or fish and chips. It comes with either a soft drink or a juice served in a plastic cup. Perfect for kids with a slippery grip.

Wines from Australia’s best regions and from across the ditch feature with a sprinkling of international titles. Surprisingly, all wine is available by the glass. Chin-chin! Craft beer connoisseurs will relish in the offerings here. Along with Gage Roads, Feral, Furphy and Little Creatures on tap, they also have their own “V Pale Ale”. It’s brewed at Last Drop Brewery in Canningvale. Patrons who still love a jug of Swannie D aren’t left out with our State’s historic draught beer also in the mix.

Service here is fast and friendly, although if you sit out in the beer garden there’s no table service. This is the kind of place where they make everyone feel like a local.

The Vale is one to visit for a relaxed meal with the family or a Sunday sesh with mates. Thursday’s are worth adding to the diary for a cheap as chips $5 steak night.

The Vale Bar & Brasserie – 281 Beeliar Drive, Beeliar

Score – 17/20

Alby – a smooth, refreshing and easy drinking West Australian lager by Gage Roads

Download this podcast here