So I tried this place about 2 months back for dinner and went again for lunch this week. I'm sort of confused by this place and giving it a rating was difficult. Here's why.
1. The place is presented beautifully. Almost something you would consider to be a bit of an almost Melbournesque eatery, exposed brick walls, cute mismatched decor and dark inside. But the theme is quite confused - almost GoT style in one dining room with a big green chandelier mural on the wall and throne-type seating. I didn't get it.
2. The owner makes a big effort to speak to you personally and ensure the staff are looking after you - which they're not really and I think it's his presence that keeps them working. When we went for dinner, the owner took our details promising the launch of a crab house in the coming weeks. That obviously hasn't happened and there's been no update at all so will be interesting to see what happens there.
3. The menu sucks and the food is average. There's just not enough on offer and at a range of prices (remembering it's a 10min walk from the UWS parra campus). Lunch was a selection of 4 burgers, one vego salad, a pan fried salmon (at $30!) and a chicken breast. Meh. I want a healthy sandwich, or a selection of salads, something more!! (And yes, I'm channelling Open City here, or anything in the USA). I don't remember the extent of the dinner menu but it was definitely short.
So 3 stars for the owner because I liked him, and also the fact that he's done up an old pub that would clearly be a bit of a dump and has a nice feel inside. Definitely room for improvement. read more