Cross Keys Hotel — Restaurant in Melbourne

Visited the Bistro last week for dinner. Ordered the Fish and Chips $35. The serving of chips was barely enough (probably 10 chips in total). The piece of fish was equivalent to 2 fingers wide and approx. 12 cm long (approx. 5 inches), accompanied by a small serving of salad. It was more like a senior’s meal. I’d be interested to see the tiny serving size of the senior’s fish and chips if my meal was considered a full size meal. This meal was definitely NOT WORTH $35. Please do not order this, as you will be disappointed. It’s value would be about $8-$10 at most. What made matters worse, was that my dining partner ordered the exact same meal of fish and chips and was served 3 pieces of fish and a large serving of chips. Obviously no quality control. I should have asked for a refund, as I was definitely not happy and still hungry when I left the bistro. A pity I did not take a comparison photo of the 2 meals, as proof, to present to the management. I felt like asking for a refund but could not see any management on the night. Needless to say, my group will not return to the Cross Keys, unless of course, the manager is able to offer a complimentary replacement meal.

19 Dec. Thanks for your reply, however, it sounds most insincere. Your reply is the stock standard reply that you send to all reviewers who experience negative experiences. I don't believe any remedial action is being taken...

Food was good pub fare, as usual. Very disappointingly a particular young waitress, needs to have a bit more respect and consideration for senior customers. Impressing management with how well you can clear the tables, shouldn't mean you expect an 80year old frail lady to exit the bistro carrying her just served, full very hot tea cup and pot out of the bistro! She very clearly directed her, "around the corner, and up a flight of stairs to the Sports bar, because I need to clear your table , right now!" We had just ordered and been served the tea within five minutes of her ejection demands. Same girl couldn't understand the concept of paying for two entree's instead of one entree and one desert with a main meal for a seniors. Point blank refused to do it, I explained it had been ok many times before. She then called over a senior waiter, he indicated it should be fine but she still kept insisting it was against the rules. Eventually placing the order, after her colleague said he would take responsibility. Overall this contributed to a really unpleasant experience. We ended the lunch by gulping down our hot drinks and leaving quiet upset. Hence...

Extremely disappointed in dinner (evening). Second time I’ve been here and disappointed. Cutlets well cooked lovely crust but raw inside (and I don’t mind medium rear) . Spring rolls still cold (from frozen) in spots. The most disappointing - a reheated roast for $32 with flavourless overcooked vegetables - I’m sure they were frozen not fresh. Had no time to return meal so ate half and couldn’t palate remaining. Told waiter collecting plate I was sure the roast meat was reheated. He apologised and said it probably was as they often cooked the roast the day before or earlier for the lunch shift. Said he pass feedback to the chef. He didn’t return. Upon leaving I found him chatting to his colleagues and asked if I was right and he said yes, it was reheated in a pan and then simply apologised to me. No offer of money back, free drink or dessert, voucher. Nothing. Why on earth would I want to come back to spend good money on something that tasted like a aeroplane...