The Defiant Duck

The Defiant Duck is where you go to take down your buds at Connect Four while hoeing into a bucket of fried chicken. Throw 40-odd board games, a deck of cards, two pool tables and a well-stocked bar, and things will always get interesting.

It’s hard for a venue to be all things to all people, but the clever crew at the Moubment Group (Laruche, Hatch & Co, Gerard’s Bar, Gerard’s Bistro, The Apo) have lined this particular set of ducks in a tidy row. An express coffee window serves Duck’s own blend from local roaster, Bear Bones. The Newstead office folk are kept happy with take-away sandwiches.

Inside, the interior is restrained. Timber high bars keep things casual. Windows aplenty attract the afternoon sun. There’s a private dining room for Newstead’s more discerning crowd, or for those who simply want to eat their Chicago dog in peace.

In the kitchen, the Duck’s imported Josper oven heats up to 450 degrees, which gives all the meat a distinctive, smokey flavour.

Cola-glazed Wagyu beef ribs are cooked slow (for 16 hours), like in the South. They’re served with fennel slaw and barbeque sauce. The Maryland crab cakes with pickled fennel and chipotle mayo go well with one of 24 tap beers, James Squire and Stone & Wood included.