Anyone can slap together a simple steak sandwich, but no one in WA does it quite like Mickey Phull - the pub chef who is chasing a remarkable fifth win in one of WA’s juiciest taste test competition.

The Last Local pub owner is down to the final four in the AHAWA’s annual battle over Perth’s best steak sanga and neither he, nor other finalists, are dishing up anything like the traditional piece of bbq meat and sauce between two slices of bread.

He says diners making the choice to eat out in the current economic climate deserve a quality offering.

“We prioritise quality cuts of meat and quality products, and we know we aren’t a necessity. People choose to come and eat at our restaurant, so we want to offer the best we can,” he said.

That quality is reflected in the menu price, with all four finalists charging at least $30 for their version of the pub classic.

Phull’s creation, $31, swaps white bread for toasted sourdough filled with crispy bacon, crunchy onions, smoky aoili, rocket, tomato and melted cheese.

If the menu listings are anything to go by, he’s got some rich competition this year from the Stirling Arms Hotel in Guildford, Sorrento Beach Club and last year’s winner Carrington’s Bar and Grill.

Each finalist has gone for a different bread base - panini, ciabatta and foccacia - and the hero element for each - slow-braised beef rib, scotch fillet and Brazillian style picanha steak - differs greatly.

The winner will be crowned following a live cook-off on July 1, where judges will assess meat tenderness, presentation, originality, sauces, flavour, value and accompanying sides.

Judges will also select a best country sandwich from four regional finalists: the Brugan Brewery/Wokalup Tavern, Pinjarra’s Exchange Hotel, Margaret River’s iconic Settlers Tavcern and Spinifex Brewery in Broome.

Australian Hotels Association WA chief executive Bradley Woods said the standard of entries continued to rise each year.

“Every year we see venues and chefs push the boundaries with creativity, quality and fangability,” he said.

“The steak sandwich is a true pub classic but in WA it has become an iconic showcase of the talent and passion within our industry.”

He said that cost-of-living pressures means that a great steak sandwich is one of the best-value meals you can enjoy at your local pub.

“(Sandwiches) delivers quality, generosity and a genuine meal experience without breaking the budget,” he said.

SEE THE FULL LIST BELOW:

COUNTRY WA VENUES

• Brugan Brewery/Wokalup Tavern - $36
• Exchange Hotel, Pinjarra - $32
• Settlers Tavern, Margaret River - $33
• Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach - $34

PERTH METROPOLITAN VENUES

• Carrington’s Bar and Grill, Hamilton Hill - $30
• Sorrento Beach Club - $34
• Stirling Arms Hotel, Guildford - $31
• The Last Local, Canning Vale - $31