The White Lion Hotel — Restaurant in Maryborough

Overall the experience felt rushed. Poor communication & timing. Crowded and hot atmosphere. But the food was a really good with large portion sizes.

We ordered our meals which included 5 entrees and 6 mains. Ordered and paid separately for the same table. My Nan (elderly lady who doesn’t eat much) ordered an entree and requested it come out with the mains. The server complied.

When our table received the food, My Nans meal came out alongside a few of the other entrees. We questioned why she was getting the entree (specified as a main) and the server stated that she had put it down as a main and simply walked away. Poor communication.

Not long after, our last entree that we did not receive yet came out. The server tried to take away the other entree dishes that we were visibly still eating.. While still finishing our entrees we received our main meals. It felt as if there was poor time management between entrees and mains being sent.

The food was really good! Flavour was wonderful. Large portions. Veges were a little undercooked but still delicious.. maybe just personal preference. They were very quick to start clearing plates.

Throughout the night as more people would come into the restaurant you could feel the temperature of the room increasing. The room became quite hot which made the experience less enjoyable. Few of us were sitting at the table literally sweating. (We know we weren’t the only ones in the room with that experience)

6:55pm they informed us we would have to move to the bar if we wanted to stay as they had a reservation for 7pm at this table. Giving us 1.5hrs to get seated, read the menu, order, wait, and eat is fine but definitely rushed considering they offer entrees, mains and desserts. It would have made the experience a lot better if we were told when we booked that we only get 1.5hrs at the table. We wouldn’t have taken our time to enjoy ourselves as much out of respect for the industry and table turnovers. To be rushed and not know why until the last second is not a pleasant experience. I have never dined a restaurant that has a 1.5hr reservations and not tell you when you book. Very poor communication.

Completely different outcome if we were informed...

Have to say straight up- I didn’t eat here. I walked in after a horrific day sitting in hospital with my elderly dad, wondering what had happened to the mighty man that raised me. I was feeling very sorry for myself. I hate that I’ve forgotten his name, but the bloke behind the bar (from bottle shop) asked me how my day was. I said pretty bad and explained why. He holds back tears and says mate I understand. I’m there too, I feel you. My dad’s the same. Young girls later sees my face and fair enough wants to ask if I’m ok before she serves me. I say I’m not high or drink, I’ve had a shit day in hospital with my old man (I’m in my 50’s) so she immediately gets it and is more than sympathetic; she’s friendly, and understanding. Off I go with my drink. I’m sitting at a pokie just feeling sorry for myself doing nothing. I Wander back in for another drink. They say “this one’s on the house”. Much appreciated. I then leave knowing I should and go to the bottleo; my old mate from the bar is working in there. Sees my face; feels his own pain, gives me a give hug and asks how drunk I wanna get as he sells me my grog before I go to the hotel. These people give a shit. A huge reminder there’s good people out there- easy to forget when you move to a city. Thanks to the white lion team and my old mate in bottleo; you helped me get through a really, really bad day. Won’t forget it .good people. So go have a feed and see...

We were staying at the Best Western next door and upon walking into this pub for an afternoon beer we were a little underwhelmed by the atmosphere. “Basic and functional” comes to mind. Though recently renovated this historic building seemed to have had every period feature removed and so having booked in for dinner we had some trepidation. Our booking was for Sunday 25 May and the reason I am being so precise about the date is because all the staff who served us that night were fantastic and should be recognised. They were all warm, friendly, welcoming and very helpful. The food was also excellent. I took advantage of the Sunday special which was Lamb Shanks and Shiraz (although you could have any house wine, beer or soft drink) and for $30 this was sensational value…not to mention it was an ample portion and tasted absolutely delicious. My husband had nachos which was also huge and flavoursome. Any prior hesitation was unfounded and I would well recommend this pub for anyone visiting...