Northern Git – Thornbury

Located on Thornbury High Street, ‘Northern Git’ has become an institution north of the Yarra. After all, they themselves proudly state that they are “bringing the North to the North”.

Many of you will be aware of Northern Git in Thornbury, such is its popularity among the ex-pat population of Melbourne. Some of you will have visited there and, if you have, you will have doubtlessly returned. In fact, one of our readers (shout out to Stacey) reached out to recommend that we take a visit to Northern Git.

There are many reasons for the levels of popularity that the affectionately monikored ‘The Git’ enjoys. A regular and authentic Sunday Roast is just one, amazing tap beers (sometimes imported from the UK) is another while the friendly ambience created by owners Carine and Michael is certainly a major factor.

Famed for their tap beers, wines and cocktails, Northern Git’s drinks menu keeps pace with its impeccable food menu.

Upon entering the restaurant you instantly feel the warmth and friendly vibe of the place. From being welcomed at the door by a smiling waiter to being greeted at the bar with a genuinely warm and friendly “Hello, how are you?'“ by what turned out to be one of the owners; Carine. Every interaction with a member of the Northern Git team was truly a pleasure.

A typical Sunday afternoon scene at ‘The Git’. Families, couples and friends enjoying lunch and drinks within a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

What is instantly noticeable about the place is the different types of groups that enjoy dining there. Next to me at the bar were a couple, quietly enjoying their afternoon. In the dining area there were larger family groups, smaller family groups, groups of friends (young and older) couples and the odd single diner too. It all just felt very pleasant, very organic and provided the perfect atmosphere for a serene Sunday lunch.

Here you go. The Northern Git food menu in all its glory, November 2024. Please note that this menu does change and update as time goes by and seasons change.

Perusal of the menu was reassuring in that it was of the perfect length, Too many dishes on a menu usually points towards a lack of quality whereas the menu here was just right in the amount of options on offer. But who am I kidding? There’s only one thing that I am here for at 2pm on a Sunday and it’s spelled R-O-A-S-T.

A great range of tap beers available here. In the winter months, Northern Git have been known to have many different British beers on tap from Theakston through to Fuller’s (and ciders like Stowford Press).

While my main meal selection took care of itself, I couldn’t help but be tempted by something off of the snack menu as a starter. The flaky bread with tahini and chili oil sounded right by my (Coronation) street and how right I was. Almost pastry-like in texture, the bread didn’t last too long such was the exquisite balance of the tahini yoghurt and chili oil that I was dipping it into.

Flaky bread with tahini yoghurt and chili oil. So tasty! I was also told that the chilis used to make the chili oil came from the owners’ garden,

The main attraction for me was the Sunday Roast. Unlike the majority of places, over the warmer months Northern Git still puts on a crowd-pleasing Sunday Roast. The rampaging hordes of ex-pats wouldn’t allow anything else. The summer roast consists of seasoned rolled chicked in gravy, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, mashed carrot and swede (which is easlily the best I have ever tasted) together with french peas. “French peas as part of a traditional, British Sunday Roast!?” I hear you cry. To which I respond “Tasting is believing, mon ami”. C'est formidable!

In the colder months, the roast comes presented inside of a Yorkshire pudding and is either lamb, beef or pork with rotations happening every fortnight,

The summertime roast. Rolled chicken in gravy with Yorkshires, roast potatoes, carrot and swede as well as french peas. Delicious!

To round things off, it’s only right that I talk about the Northern Git himelf; Michael Slade. Originally from Halifax in West Yorkshire, Michael and his partner Carine are owners of the establishment. Together they’ve built up Northern Git over the past 9 years to what it is today through quality, homemade foods and a burgeoning social media presence. If you haven’t already, check out their Instagram profile where there’s some fantastic tips, recipes and ‘how to’s’ - many of which have gone viral.

Finally, look out for their acclaimed ‘Christmas in July’. This is limited to just one day only so you’ll have to be quick on the trigger to confirm your booking. However, my oh my, it will be worth it. When I say they go all in, they go ALL IN. They brine and smoke their own ham. They make their own sausages for ‘pigs in blankets’. In fact, they’ve already started the preparation process (soaking of fruit) for their famed Christmas pudding.

 

Northern Git, 757 High Street, Thornbury, VIC 3071