Grand Central Hotel — Restaurant in Brisbane City

We had a fab “fambo catch up” here last Sat 16 March 2024, in the late afternoon. We all had a ball, including 2 people (my Aunty & Uncle) who are 80! It gets better (I love this place):

1. At 10:15am (just after they opened), after breakfast I walked across the street (stayed at Adina) & ordered a large glass of wine whilst awaiting 3 different (fambo) cars to arrive
2. At approx 4pm all of us returned after a fab long lunch at Patina Customs House
3. All drinks were good value & all extra food we ordered was tasty & inexpensive
4. I ordered sparkling mineral water & lemonade & lemon/lime/bitters many times between drinks to ensure we were all in control & they were very inexpensive & the staff appreciated it
5. We all left at 9:15pm & the “old ones” went to bed
6. After walking around the Brisvegas CBD at 9:30pm to try to find an open bottle shop (none!) my cousins & I came back. They went home to hotel & I stayed
7. As a smoker, I sat outside in the smoking area by myself, with people around me (they were all lovely & fine & safe - no risk, even though I’m 50 & scrawny & left Brisvegas 30 years ago)
8. BEST surprise ever? While I was sitting outside, a truly caring & super kind Security Guard (who was of either Maori or Islander or Samoan descent - sorry I can’t tell x) stood at the stairs & watched over everyone to make sure all of us outside were safe & protected: what a magnificent Man 🥰

Thank you for a wonderful night in which I wasn’t only “super HAPPY” but also “Super SAFE” x I HIGHLY recommend this wonderful place...

Bad experience.

We came as a group for lunch today and usually have a positive experience but not this time.

Firstly, one of us who was wanting to order wedges realised that there was no (V) for vegetarian next to the chips or wedges and asked if there was a reason and if they are safe for vegos. The middle aged lady with the peroxide white hair (Natalie maybe?) had a strong reaction becoming very condescending and rude saying that they are made out of potato so it should be obvious and she couldn't understand why there was a lack of common sense. Considering there is a (V) next to the steamed vegetables (the most 'obvious' vegetarian option imaginable) along with the fact that some places use animal lard to fry chips / wedges it was a valid question. Really bad attitude. She stormed around for the rest of the time we were there, never smiled at anyone and had a really bad energy about her. While hospitality can be stressful for sure some people just aren't suitable for customer service.

Also - there was a fire upstairs with smoke coming out of the building and when the firefighters turned up rushing around asking for access to the roof and the staff seemed unbothered. They didn't appear to question nor investigate as to why there was a fire truck parked out front and half a dozen firefights running around the front and inside the venue which was bizarre. Perhaps some training around OH&S would be beneficial. Otherwise the rest of the staff were friendly enough.

Disappointing experience, sadly we will...

I went to review this hotel on a Saturday afternoon for lunch in June. What a great place oozing in history, & such a connection with the diggers from the world wars of the past. I had steak with chips & salad & a pepper sauce. Every bite was a melt in the mouth experience , if you closed your eyes it took you away from yourself & tingled your senses. Also tried wedges to the side, which were served with fresh sour cream & chilli pots, where you dip a little or a lot in each pot, & the wedges were perfectly crispy on the outside, & soft in the middle. Enjoyed with a pot of local beer completed the experience, & I do mean experience for your whole senses. The service was amazing, if they mess something up, they went out of their way to rectify the situation, & did it well with minimal fuss. I also need to mention the kitchen staff, amazing professional friendly group of people who I personally thanked as I left. The atmosphere was wonderful, not too much, not too boring, & great for kids. Plenty of outdoor & indoor choices for dining, socialising etc. Attached to Central station, this hotel is very local to almost everything you want to see/do in Brisbane. I loved this experience very very much. Would I go...