The Farmers Arms - Cabarlah, Queensland

Simon &. J. H.

Enjoyed a great lunch and a few pre-drinks in the bar. Dogs very welcome. Friendly and helpful staff. Great country hospitality and friendly locals.

Jon A.

We had a very enjoyable experience yesterday evening, and felt it appropriate to share my thanks and thoughts.

There are a couple of venues laying claim to being the oldest remaining pub in Queensland - but in either case this is a very old building oozing charm. Walking in the front door you're greeted by the functional fireplace, restaurant on the right with the (small) bottle shop and counter to the left. There's also a public bar further to the left at the southern side of the building.

Service was great. There was a young barmaid/waitress in black jeans with a white ribbon in her hair - her short term memory was outstanding. Bear in mind she was simultaneously serving the restaurant and bar - so often darting back and forth. Remembered our order perfectly despite leaving to serve at the bar. There was also a bloke named Thor buzzing about serving and engaging with patrons - he didn't look like a stereotypical Viking with a beard but more like myself - jeans, brown belt and likes a great hairstyle (none present, best way to go!). Appeared to be the manager or owner.

Non alcoholic drinks are a bit on the steep side ($5 for a can of Coke) but wine pricing is quite reasonable - with a choice of three different Shiraz by the glass (unusual for a country pub). There is a card surcharge (displayed at the counter) of 1.6-1.9% but can be avoided by paying cash.

Food - a different concept to most venues. You pay for your main - either steak, chicken etc - and then load up on sides from a self serve bain marie. A couple of dishes are excluded from self serve (from memory lamb shanks and rissoles, explained at time of ordering). The bain marie contained roast vegetables, steamed vegetables, what appeared to be a broccoli bake and chips. Special note here - they were crisp despite being in a steamy environment and tasted great.

An adjacent salad bar was provided with your choice of garden or noodle salad. Multiple sauces and dressings on offer. Cold bottled water and self serve coffee are also available.

Right, onto the mains. I was pleasantly surprised to see eye fillet on offer as a steak choice - especially at a country pub. My wife had a chicken schnitzel (not pictured), whilst we had deep fried Camembert nuggets for starters with what appeared to be a chilli and lime dipping sauce. My wife thoroughly enjoyed her main, and my steak was cooked perfectly - I'll normally tolerate one grade either side but this was spot on medium rare. Sauces were above average - not the standard black gloop you receive at most Toowoomba pubs. Our friends ordered their dishes, along with those for their kids.

I'm not sure how some other reviewers have ascertained this venue isn't kid friendly - kids meals arrived quickly and prams accommodated without fuss. Our friend instructed her children to clean up the toys but before leaving which when she went to verify, noticed that the aforementioned waitress had already tidied them up.

Constructive criticism - we were offered the incorrect food twice (rectified quickly). I noticed when the waitress was keying orders the table map on screen appeared to lack numbers and she was craning her head around the fireplace to determine which table was what. Perhaps a tweak to the POS system would be beneficial?

We'll absolutely be back.

Alex D.

I really like this hotel, it has a great layout and nice feel. Good atmosphere. We had a Chicken parmigiana. Fresh vegetables and really great meal. We will be back.!
Oh, we camped out the back. Great grass area.!

Jason C.

I've had a few meals here over the years and never had any issues. Good menu and the staff are very friendly with quick service. Absolutely love this place.
FYI. Try the pizzas. They are to die for.

Harry H.

We were popping in here for a nice drink to support them over Easter. $37.83 for 2 schooners of beer and a lemonade and a coke. Staff were all rude. Overpriced and disappointing service.

Maria S.

I hosted an event at The Farmer's Arms and they did an amazing job! Dealing with the owners prior to the planning was easy and they had some great suggestions. While the staff on the day were run off their feet with so many of us, they maintained their friendly demeanour. The food was fantastic, abundant and came out very quickly. It was a great choice for our event and I would definitely visit The Farmer's Arms Tavern again. Thanks for everything guys.

Serena B.

Well NEVER return here. Food was utterly disgusting. Manager needs to be taught manners and respect for their customers. Can not recommend more highly to take your money elsewhere!!

Lana W.

Food here is Fantasic meal are huge so tasty first time being here and I'll definitely be coming back