WALT and Burley, one of the latest places to open at Kingston Foreshore, has amazing views of the lake. It’s a massive space occupying a prime position that can’t be beaten and streams of customers have arrived over the past two months since opening.

The fitout is designed to make you feel at home. The massive copper-hooded fireplace in the lounge area keeps you cosy. The space offers distinct seating areas – a casual set up with high tables and stools (no reservations taken); a bar area with distinctive stained-glass windows; and a more “formal” seating area near the kitchen (reservations taken). The two outdoor decks are popular – the one opposite the water is flooded with sunshine.

Beer lovers can enjoy nine varieties on tap, including Fat Yak and Kopparberg, and 15 varieties by the bottle.

Our group agreed the wine list was small and uninspiring. Reds range from $30 to $180 (only two by the glass) and whites from $30 to $90 (only three by the glass).

Walt and Burley was out of the type we ordered (some members of our party had experienced this on a previous visit also) and, after an attempt to upsell us to one that was $50 more a bottle, we settled on house wine. We weren’t keen on a $90 wine knowing some of us would be munching on fries.

The lunchtime smokehouse dishes sounded appealing and different from other fare available at Foreshore eateries. The menu promised beans with some smokehouse dishes but, alas, it was “beans no more”. Coleslaw was substituted and bland coleslaw at that – heavy on the carrot and not even the ranch dressing saved the day.

The pulled pork was tasty and tender, although we agreed it needed slightly more seasoning. The small piece of corn it came with was stone cold, but the chips hot and yummy. The smoked pork ribs were hot and the meat fell off the bone, as it should. We felt the flavour lacked punch and the accompanying mashed potatoes were cold. Two of our party ordered salmon, which was “fine but not spectacular”. The chicken schnitzel won the top award.

If I return I’ll share some starters, which feature smoked mixed nuts and rosemary salt, heirloom carrots with quinoa, goat curd and herbs, crab cakes, baked ricotta, white corn nachos and duck liver pate ($5 to $15). Or perhaps I’ll try a burger. Mains cover the bases – pasta, fish, pork belly, strip loin, chicken breast and a couple of salads ($14 to $28).

A special note on the staff… there are plenty about the place and everyone was super friendly and keen to make our experience warm and fuzzy. However, the service was chaotic with a 45-minute wait for most dishes (we were not warned about this when we ordered) and dishes were served terribly out of synch, meaning some of our party finished before others even began to eat.

Walt and Burley. Open seven days, Eastlake Parade, Kingston. Call 6239 6648.