Hotel Spencer Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Melbourne

We were recommended this place and we're looking forward to a couple of coldies and good pub tucker. Upon arrival, we couldn't check in with the supplied QR image and no manual option was offered. We found a cosy corner at the bar, anticipating the first guzzle. The place was well patronised yet under covid-19 capacity. It became evident after a couple of moments waiting to be served that the poor lady behind the bar was alone and taking meal orders, drink orders, arranging tables and serving meals. After 7mins of waiting to be served, the remarkably cool young lady (she had no right to be), offered a somewhat guilty "won't be a moment" as she passed by for the 4th time. We waited a further 7 mins without acknowledgement before deciding we were too parched to wait further. We agreed one with the other that the young lady was not to blame (providing she is not the proprietor) but that the proprietor is in need of a rethink on staffing on a Thursday night. Perhaps the beer is cold and the food is great. Sadly, we will never know....

I went to this bar in a not-too-busy Thursday evening. Upon entry, I was making polite eye contact with both bartenders trying to get a seat / order. Unfortunately, one bartender was chatting with a customer and ignored me (fair enough) and the other bartender was cleaning the desk (not busy) and ignored me. The bar was really not busy and after awkward 10 minutes trying, I walked up and said hello to either bartender, and they just kept ignoring. This was really weird… I dressed properly and stood literally in front of them. I hope the owner was there and I could ask why…

[Update] I appreciate the owner’s reply and hope this awkward experience will not happen to another customer (after reading the owner’s reply, I’m more confident this could be a rare incident). I was around 7pm on Thursday night and there were 2 bartenders. I also double checked my memory with the photos from Google Map. I was at the right pub. It’s a nice pub and the grill looks great from the picture. I will try...

Staying In Melbourne for a few nights, we really felt like a pub meal after a couple of 'fancy' meals. I booked The Spencer as it was a short walk from our hotel and the reviews looked good. It was a busy place when we arrived at were seated in the front bar. The atmosphere was great and the staff really welcoming. The food was great. My husband had a chicken Parma and I opted for the fish and chips. It was hot, fresh and tasty. We stayed on for a couple of drinks because we were enjoying the atmosphere souch. The locals were really friendly as was the dog who dropped in with his humans for dinner. I only ever stop to write reviews for.l places that strike a chord with me. You could tell the publican really loved her place and cared about making the patrons feel welcome. I highly recommend Hotel Spencer for a great place to stop for a drink ot meal. We will be back when we're in...