Bridge Hotel — Restaurant in Melbourne

I just had my work Christmas party at the Bridge and was impressed by the venue and friendly wait staff. Food was quite good and drinks were reasonably priced (just). However, the reason for the ONE star review is due to the unbelievably arrogant, self absorbed and obnoxious door staff. A colleague of mine had just gone outside to have a cigarette, I joined her with two others. We collected around one of the two outside tables, which were OBVIOUSLY designated for smokers (ash trays were present). After about 5 minutes of socializing with other friendly patrons, my friend, Monica, was told condescendingly by a bouncer, who was seated next to the table we were at, that "I don't like people smoking in front of me while I eat, can you move away or go inside?" I being closest to him was bewildered by his request; I was closest to him, not smoking, and Monica, who was smoking was on the other side of me. Hardly in front of him. Although, I do appreciate the sentiment of his comment. Eating while someone is smoking is not a pleasant thing. However, it would be wise then, I think, that the bouncer, a staff member, should not eat in a designated smoking area, and subsequently tell my friend, a patron, to "move away". I digress, however, the worst part hasn't even happened yet. Upon the questioning that was certainly warranted by Monica, she was given a series of unsatisfactory responses on why it was inappropriate for her to be smoking in a smokers area. This in itself displays a sense of arrogance and obnoxiousness which astounded me. But it gets worse, after a couple of questions directed at the bouncer, he ends the conversation abruptly with "don't worry about it, you're not getting back in." He turns away, finishes his tacos, and we turn away and finish our drinks. As we get up to go back inside, he signals the other equally big headed bouncers to block Monica's entry. An abnormally rude and offensive woman is stopping Monica from entering, despite not giving any reasons. Despite further questioning from Leanne (my boss) and another friend Mel, the bouncer refused to give way. At this point things did get a bit ugly; Monica was getting frustrated with the inexplicable rudeness and beginning to become riled. The bouncer attempted to blame it on 'intoxication', which was a complete farce and almost made me laugh at her desperate attempt to find a solid reason to continue her denial (Monica had had 2 beers as our boss wasn't paying for drinks, the tight ass). Seeing no resolution to this situation through the bull headed bouncers, Leanne went inside to find a supervisor who upon hearing about the situation, promptly allowed Monica back inside and apologized. Just to reiterate; the inside staff were exceedingly friendly and accommodating, not to mention reasonable. My issue is with the unbelievably self assured bouncers out the front. How can it be okay to bar someone entry, because they were smoking in a smokers area, where you happened to be eating? What ever happened to 'the customer is always right?' I didn't realise that the Bridge was operating under 'what the bouncer says. goes' even if it is some absolute idiocy spouted from the mouth of a power tripping buffoon with an overly sensitive nose and no common sense about where to eat to avoid the smell of cigarettes. I am absolutely disgusted, Bridge Hotel. I sincerely hope you will take this complaint in to consideration because despite the appeal your venue has to me, I will be sure to steer clear...

New staff suck. It's not the old Bridge, hence the $$. Avoid bringing family, it's good for cheap atmosphere

As a local, I've had a great time but avoided it after sexual harassment in Feb 2019 from a patron. I know some of the staff personally and it was always lovely.

Today, I met my brother at 2pm (he's 6ft4) for beers and food. He had significant family news. Then our other brothers (we're one of 6) showed up. I'm 33, they're 30, 27 and 17. Our parents recently divorced and I was guardian in replacement for Mum due to capacity. The youngest brother was picked up by the 30 yr old coming from his teen job in a local fast food restaurant on Glenferrie rd. He's a quiet but diligent local private school boy. Ate food.

We were served multiple times, Inc food and drinks by old and a new bar staff member (who'd said shed been there only 1 week) from 2pm.

I finalised the food bill and purchased a last round discussing "brothers" with the bar staff. This bar staff member designed a nice intro drink for my younger brother.

At almost 5pm a newly clocked on long serving member came and asked us to leave due to underage sibling. We explained and noted the past family groups in the same eating area (We weren't in smoking or bar, but the food place). The end result was the assumption we weren't the guardians and that the underage child wasn't being looked after by appropriate guardians.

As a former bar tender, cert 4 hospitality holder and current lawyer, I knew this was rubbish. At 2pm I'd watched another family run their kids rampant across all the cute booth seats and act appallingly.

But sometimes, when this thing destroys the vulnerable space that brothers banter in... It's not ok.

So, go to the Bridge if you have a sanitised 1 son or 2 kid policy and you run your underages over the place or like a sleazy night hitting on working women.

But NEVER book a quiet booth for family to catch up and share Aunty Donno jokes whilst news of George Pell and their parents schools are being shared.

The perfect China 1-2kid family or footy bogan only

I'm ashamed to have ever been there or helped any of their staff in their work issues.

No one makes my little brothers feel like that, no matter how big they look, or assumes I'm not their guardian.

Best of luck Bridge. At least you have a dude to reimburse the drinks. I hope you...

The Bridge Hotel is one of Richmond’s most iconic venues, and it never fails to deliver. The space is massive and full of character – each area feels like its own little world, from the cosy pub-style rooms to the open courtyard that comes alive on weekends. There’s always a great buzz here, whether you’re dropping in for a quick drink or settling in for a big night.

The food is way above your average pub fare. The parmas are legendary – golden crumb, loads of cheese, and chips done just right. The pizzas are also excellent, with thin bases and generous toppings, and the share plates are perfect for groups. Portions are hearty, prices are fair, and the quality is consistently high.

The drinks list is another big draw. A solid range of beers on tap, a good mix of wines, and cocktails that are fun without being over the top. It’s the kind of place where you can easily find something for everyone.

The staff keep everything running smoothly, even when it’s packed. They’re friendly, efficient, and always manage to get food and drinks out quickly despite the crowds.

What I love most about The Bridge is the atmosphere – it’s got that big, vibrant pub energy but still feels welcoming and easy. Perfect for after-work drinks, weekend catch-ups, or watching the footy with a group. A Richmond staple that...