Hagen Arms - ECHUNGA

Great traditional country pub with generous meals at good prices, friendly staff and a good selection of drinks. Popular with the locals and those of us who visit on the third Sunday of every month for the free folk singing.Under new ownership and under renovation - and I love what they are doing with the heritage aspects of this old building.

We recently attended for a lunch to celebrate a special occasion, but was disappointed by the experience. The eating area is clearly undergoing renovations, with a patch work of paint test areas on the walls. The toilets are outside and up stairs - not ideal if you have had a few drinks, or for those with any mobility issues. The food was fair, however despite being one of the first groups to arrive, there was only 1 serving of salt and pepper squid available - turns out lucky there was not more, as it was tough and overcooked. Others at the table enjoyed their meals,and whilst in time this is likely to be an enjoyable venue, currently it is still a work in progress and I won't be rushing back.

New owners - they have some work to do. Given it was a large group of approx 20 upstairs I always make allowances for issues to occur. However soft drink jugs being dirty, misleading menus and other issues lead to a disappointing evening. My meal was OK but other guests were not happy with theirs. I would go back again but will leave it for a while to see if the new owners have ironed out the problems. Updating cosmetic changes don't matter if the food and service isn't good.

Great little country pub, quaint, freindly enough, old style pub, would be great on a friday saturday night with the local characters

Great food again at a reasonable priceSince the actual owners of the hotel have taken it back both service and food has continued to improveAt least we can now eat there without feeling we are being watched and judged by the proprietors as previously used to occurReally good Adelaide Hills wines also which is great for showing support for the local region.