Drover’s in Nancheng

Drover’s is a strange place. In one part there is a bar with draught beer that makes it feel like a Western bar. In another part there are private function rooms that make it feel a Chinese restaurant.

Almost every table seems to have different furniture, which makes it seem more like a furniture store. The table we sat at had completely different sofas on either side.

Not only was the selection of furniture peculiar, but so was it’s positioning. There were no snug corners to enjoy a few pints or intimate dining tables for a romantic date. The most peculiar example was a row of bar stools facing a fish tank.

The decorations are just as odd; framed posters of movies that were not particular iconic, football club badges printed out on A4 paper, and photos of a foreigner that appear everywhere.

I can only guess the foreigner is either the manager or the owner. Regardless, the photos make me feel like I am in his living room rather than his bar or restaurant.

The overall impression is that Drover’s feels part bar, part restaurant, part furniture store, and part living room.

When I arrived at Drover’s I was excited to find signs advertising Dead Guy Ale and Brooklyn Lager. When I looked at the menu, however, neither was listed. When I asked the waitress she said they only had Brooklyn Lager. When I asked if it was included in happy hour she was confused. Eventually she said it was not included in happy hour because it is not on the menu. Somewhat confused and not entirely convinced, I decided to order a pint of John Bull from the menu instead.

With our drinks ordered we turned to ordering our meal. Drover’s is an Australian bar/restaurant/furniture store/living room so I wanted to order an Australian dish.  The menu suggested I should try their famous meat pie. When I asked the waitresses she said they did not have any. Fortunately, the menu does have a wide range of other dishes so we ordered a selection of Arrabbiata, Quesadillas and a Tuna Melt.

My pint of John Bull was great. Our food arrived quickly and was well presented. The bread of our melt was slightly burnt but they were generous with the tuna. The Quesadillas looked and tasted good. The Arrabbiata was particularly spicy, which gave it an interesting taste.

When you look past Drover’s schizophrenic décor you realize they have decent food and one of the better beer selections in town. For those living in Nancheng, it is definitely an option. For those living in Dongcheng, however, it is not really worth the trip.

For the address and other information about Drover’s, click here.