Craig's Royal Hotel - BALLARAT CENTRAL

We eat here at least twice a year for special occasions as it is a top end restaurant. never disappointed. priced, high end, but it is worth it.

I am in the rule not the type to check restaurants of any type. I'm more book discusser, but the experience of the last night made me so ropeable, I just had to leave one here. I entered five minutes after my group and we all welcomed us/was introduced and the waitress looked at me. I made a quip with a smile: I let you do your job. it went downhill. it was 18 o'clock and the place was mostly out of empty tables, but she treated us as if we were drunkene, who "by midnight in stolpered to demand service. a lady in the group ordered a dessert for her daughter and the waitress huffed. "I need more than one person to order that if it is worth doing, " she said. we all went quietly and looked at how 'what'? another lady ordered dessert and was asked why she didn't order something hearty first. I think the waitress was mad at us because we didn't have any meals? I asked about water and she gave all glasses water before a person in our group. another dame came late, forbids God, and ordered a hot chocolate. she was in trouble! most of our group speak English as a second speech, so I could not help, but wondered, there was a hint on racism that was involved in their abhorrent behavior? my friend asked if we could pay separately and the waitress said we could, but when she went to pay her share, she got the bad eye. She had to pay for the partie and we would have to refund her. not acceptable. the place is aesthetically beautiful and stylish, but the attitude of the waitress made me feel as if we were in a happy one. it was as if it were back in school with the frightening teacher who scares her, we all agreed. terrible. I just wish I saw a name sign. had asked for their name. I'll call her grumpy face.

We have a table for 3....service from the beginning was very good. we shared a escape from the special board.both our drinks and the escape came shortly after. our main thing. filet steak cooked as desired), huh filled with camembert and sun dried tomato and. the gnocchi. all enjoyed. we would visit again if and when we visit ballarat

We had the pleasure to meet andrew, who has been working at craig for several years and has recently been working here. andrews know about the hotel and his obvious love about it when he gave us an informal tour, made our...trip to ballarat. we followed andrews tour through the hotel with afternoon tea in the atrium. what a botschafter! thank you andrew.

Just back from lunch with friends. What a let down. Craig’s is an icon of Ballarat from black armband to Mark Twain to today. It deserves better than a bog sub standard lunch . Close your eyes and think fish and chips…. Lazy cheffing,poorest of...dull salads . Think cheap pub or pokies senior meal. The entree salad at least had flavour texture and interest. Chicken pie main with a basket of (you know the type) of chips. Bland. Ten minutes of thought could change it up dramatically. Lazy cheffing out of touch with the venue and clientele. Serviettes? They’ve raided McDonalds! Leave one to the side , no worries we’ll get it when you leave. Clear some plates before you guest has finished ? Why not? You can stare as they have the only plate and hurry to finish! Staff attire and fit. I won’t go there other than to say appropriate clothing should be worn.. The waitstaff tried hard but hasn’t been trained in service. Management should check other places to see how far behind Craig’s is. (Try a place in Eureka Street for staff , and table set up).