I’M not one for hanging out at dedicated sporting venues, but have found myself at The Dock, Kingston Foreshore, a few times in the last couple of months.

On Giles Street, The Dock’s claim to fame is that it is the only sporting venue on the lake (called “the entertainment precinct, don’t you know”. This is undeniable).

I’ve never gone to The Dock to watch a game of any kind. I usually go to hang out with friends or grab a quick meal. It has a massive outdoor area close to the water, with large communal tables and tall barrels with stools.

My latest venture to The Dock was just as the seasons were changing so the menu may have changed since my visit. It was lunch. We arrived 10 minutes before noon and were told we would have to wait to place our order since the kitchen wasn’t quite open. I never get that. Why not just take the order and explain it will be 10 minutes before it’s placed? But to make the customer go up to the bar twice is, well, silly. So much for that moan.

The menu is divided into light meals, salads and pub faves, which is great if you’re keen on something lighter and healthier than deep-fried fare.

Light meals include barramundi (grilled or fried) with chips or salad ($19.50), nachos ($18) and sliders, times three, with pulled pork, cheddar cheese and vegetable slaw stacked in fresh sourdough bread.

My friend opted for the sliders and was delighted. It’s a generous serve, particularly with the fries, and they were super. Great taste and points given for presentation.

Equally well presented was my salad ($17.50). It was loaded with heaps of healthy elements, which combined well. The dish featured loads of flavours, loads of colour and nice crunch. The grilled haloumi was lovely and salty, contrasting with finely sliced red onion, orange segments, walnuts, grape tomatoes, fennel and peppery rocket. The honey vinaigrette was fresh and light.

The Dock also serves a calamari salad ($18.50) and a spiced quinoa salad ($16). Lots of gluten-free options and several for celiacs. Pub faves include hearty ribs ($34), the usual burger ($22) and schnitzel ($23).

In line with its name and position on the water, The Dock’s design has adopted a navy theme. Lots of blue and white and seafaring elements, including heavy sisal ropes and pier posts. It works well.

As with all places along the “entertainment precinct”, things can get tough when the wind decides to blow a gale. But that’s life on the water.

The Dock, open lunch and dinner, seven days. Giles Street, Kingston Foreshore, call 6239 6333.