On Festival Planning at Tyranny of Distance, Windsor

Music festivals are a pretty grand adventure. Especially when you plan to drive for two days just to get there, camp for three and then drive back again for two. In short, it can be a logistical nightmare. However, in the case of Splendour in the Grass, it’s totally worth it. Hours of organisation may be involved but sometimes those hours are half the fun (and always done over something edible). So when my friend Emily and myself decided to catchup to discuss these important issues, the question was over coffee, drinks or dinner. It’s a tough decision to make at the best of times so we didn’t bother. We did what any good decision hater would do. We chose all three.

Tyranny of Distance
http://www.tyrannyofdistance.com.au/
147 Union St Windsor
9525 1005

My favorite place for this very purpose is hidden away off the Windsor end of Chapel St; what once was a lubritorium fueling cars and is now fueling hungry punters. Tyranny of Distance opens up at 8am for breakfast and remains open well into the night, covering breakfast, lunch and dinner. An innocent soy afternoon chai latte, spiced with a hint of mint, turns into a sneaky happy hour drink ($5 wine/beer/spirit or a beautiful freshly made $10 cocktail). Suddenly you’ve had three and it’s dinner you’re after.

Despite technically being outdoors, heating, ceiling covering and windbreakers ensure you feel cosy; as does the mismatched furniture and a corner of couches. Plenty of greenery keeps you in touch with your inner hippie. Beanie clad waiters sporting doc martens and dreadlocks maintain a friendly and welcoming service, even if it isn’t always the fastest.

The menu is a bit of an odd one, with dishes ranging from bar snacks to those best shared to those one would only eat to themself. We opted for plenty of sharing and were graced with fragrant Thai lemongrass chicken and succulent duck roti rolls, Moroccan style pork meatballs soothed with citrus yoghurt and a Greek inspired leek and fetta stuffed mushroom. I may have felt like I’d purchased an around the world ticket but somehow they made it work. Each element was delicious and the diversity was again good for the indecisive.



While not necessarily excelling in one things, Tyranny is my favorite all rounder. A great drink selection, fun and varied food and relaxed vibe have me back time and time again for catchups just like these: in which you chat for hours over important issues or just sit back with old friends. Just as it was all those years ago, Tyranny is a great pit stop to refuel and regenerate. Adios amigos and see you after Splendour in the Grass.