Wolf and I wiggles into Windsor

The Windsor end of Chapel street has always been the little brother to its high-flying South Yarra sibling; a little bit grimy and rough around the edges. Well the times are a changin’ and the southern end of Chapel is starting to spruce up.

Once known for its rough-as-guts patrons and parmas, The Swan Hotel has been transformed into Windsor’s newest restaurant, Wolf and I. This gastro-pub is the lovechild of friends Jannick Zester and Steve Pownell, who have enlisted chef Daniel Bloom to guide them through their first foray in hospitality.

Bar stools and long wooden counter tops fill the large entry space, while out back there’s communal benches with that post industrial look Melbourne can’t seem to get enough of. Brick, steel and white-washed timber give the space a sleek finish, with kitschy flourishes like the pair of beer-swilling deer means Wolf and I doesn’t really take itself too seriously.

While the menu pays homage its pub heritage with parmas, burgers and man-sized steaks – the boys have added a Scandinavian twist. To whet your palate the kitchen offers up starters such as Gravlax with herb salad and rye bread crisps ($17), and Coffin Bay oysters ($15/$20).

If you’re looking to indulge in some more substantial, there’s the Stjerneskud (Flounder Shooting Star) with Danish rye bread, salad leaves, marie rose dressing, shrimps, flying fish roe & asparagus ($29).

With summer sips just around the corner, the Wolf and I might just become a Scandinavian Sunday stalwart at the not-so-shabby end of Chapel Street.

WOLF AND If
152 Chapel Street, Windsor
9510 1819
Open seven days for lunch and dinner, breakfast on weekends
facebook.com/TheWolfandI