Portarlington Grand Hotel

I am 62yo and attended pubs all over the country for more than 40 years. And till this day never attended a pub on New Years Day that has closed the door to patrons due to some ridiculous event they plan to run later that afternoon, and at $100 a head to get in the door. Even the bar is shut. After chatting to a few of the locals about my experience I now understand why they all seem to roll their eyes as soon as the Portarlington Grand Hotel is mentioned, and suggest I try the golf club or head to the pubs at St Leonards or Drysdale instead as they actually welcome the public. Earlier in the week a group of us attended the pub on 2 separate occasions for lunch, no one has been impressed with their meals. On the first occasion I ordered their Sliced Beef Burger, supposedly filled with thinly sliced porterhouse steak, it was tasteless strips of tough over cooked grey beef. On the second occasion I ordered their chicken schnitzel, a dish that even the most inept pub can usually get right, it was small, deep fried, and obviously not prepared in house, and the Salard was not fresh. In all a minus 5 if you ask me. Absolutely pitiful, and I for one will be avoiding this establishment like the plague from now on.

Went for lunch. Hubbie likes a parmie. Temperature 35 degrees. The outdoors atrium was the only place for 'pub' food - fans but not air conditioned. Inside 'fine dining' and air conditioning, and definitely no parmi. We have always enjoyed their lunches but wouldn't go there again.

This 3 star review is an average for many visits over the past year - some of which have been very good, but today was a real let-down and a reason to question a return visit. The menu is varied enough for everyone and the food is fresh and well presented, generous serves and good value. We have visited on major event dates (Mothers or Fathers Days) and always been well served and in quick order despite the numbers. However, occasionally the kitchen lets the experience down by slow delivery or inexplicable mix-ups in the order of dishes (eg a main course delivered early with an entree). Today was a sad reflection of what should be a great pub dining experience. The dining room was only half full when we arrived for the first sitting just after 12pm. Entrees took over 30 minutes to arrive. After our entree plates had been cleared, our very efficient and professional waiter Eddy kindly advised that there was a delay in delivering main dishes and we would have to wait 35 minutes. As we were on a short timeframe, we asked him to confirm that. He returned from the kitchen stating the delay might be 20 minutes as he had been told. After 25 minutes waiting, we inquired again - another 10 minutes at least as we were behind a larger table (just 2 of us). So we cancelled our order and left - hungry, disappointed and annoyed. If you have an issue with a new cook, then let diners know when they arrive so we can decide if we have time to wait. Free comp drinks don’t solve it.

awesome view well appointed and beautifully appointed rooms

The staff were so professional so helpful. The beds and pillows were the best I have slept on.

the verandah proved a great spot to sit and watch the world go by, on a lovely sunny winters day enjoying a couple of drinks and ordering lunch. friendly staff my only complaint was being told the kitchen was closing at 1pm not 2. and having to insist i wanted something to eat, as i had been sitting having a couple of drinks at their establishment. no reason was given as to the early closure, however i feel the kitchen may have been unexpectedly over run on such a lovely day