Whilst many of us enjoy researching the menu well before heading out for dinner, sometimes we might just need a little bit of mystery when it comes to our food. This Cooks Hill pub is doing exactly that with their Moreish Mystery Mondays.

Launched in 2018, The Commonwealth Hotel's Moreish Mystery Monday have created quite a stir around Newcastle with their innovative approach to dining out.

“The catalyst behind starting Moreish Mystery Monday was two-fold. Firstly, Monday nights were previously our quietest time of the week. So, we wanted to do something fun to encourage customers to visit us on Monday nights. Secondly, our kitchen team are really talented and creative. We wanted to provide them with an opportunity to cook and serve anything they wanted with no rules and no restrictions.

“Moreish Mystery Mondays provide the ultimate creative outlet for our Chefs. Our motto for Monday nights is Expect the Unexpected,” Cath explained.

The team at HUNTERhunter went along to suss out what the fuss was about a few weeks back and was very impressed with the tasty and fun dishes that were served up. To start, we had Seared Scallops with bean purée, pomegranates, and a saffron and cardamom glaze. For mains, we had Pesto Buttered Oven-Baked Fish with pea and corn purée, lemon aioli, and a chilli soya crisp crumb.

To finish off we had a Banoffee Pie Commy cup style for dessert and of course, we had to try that week’s Mystery Matched Cocktail which was The Commonwealth’s take on the Blue Lagoon; complete with blue curacao, vodka, peach schnapps, lemonade topped with a blue cloud and blueberry lolly.

For those who aren't quite keen on their dishes being somewhat of a mystery, diners can still order from their regular menu.

“We have three regular grounds that have a standing booking each and every Monday night. Ralph and Sally say that they love Moreish Mystery Mondays due to the variety. They love that they are trying new foods and flavour combinations that they would not normally consider trying. They also love sitting down, enjoying a chat, and not having to make a decision about what to order, yet still enjoying quality food.

“For Darryl, it is his one day of the week where he is allowed to eat dessert. Anne loves the variety. Each week is completely different, and it gives Anne the opportunity to try things that she would not normally order. All of the regulars agree that the friendly faces of the Commy (Commonwealth) Hotel staff also make the evening thoroughly enjoyable.”

For just $35 per head, diners can enjoy the mystery three courses plus bread and butter, and if you’re wanting to wash it all down with a beverage, add $10 for the Mystery Matched Cocktail.

“Our talented Chefs are in complete control – each course is a mystery until it is presented to you!”

On each and every Monday night (unless specified otherwise), bookings are essential so get along to the Commonwealth Hotel in Cooks Hill for their next Moreish Mystery Monday.

Where: The Commonwealth Hotel
When: Monday evenings
To Book: Call (02) 4926 2680