Inkerman Hotel — Restaurant in Melbourne

Possibly one of the few pubs in the big smoke with Melbourne on tap, it was already a winner in our eyes. However the customer service was probably the best I've experienced in Melbourne - pub, cafe, restaurant or otherwise. We attended on a Wednesday during the popular happy hour and even though the bar was busy with patrons picking up a $10 pint (a steal), the legends behind the bar immediately acknowledged our (very short) wait with a hello and that someone will serve us shortly. We were slightly disheartened that a new Melbourne keg was currently being connected so it might be a wait again - however there was no delay, one of the staff immediately poured us our drinks and off we went. There is plenty of latitude in the place and 5 o'clock the Inkerman was already buzzing - families were sat in the bistro with plenty of reserve signs up - a good sign. We made our way outside to the smokers, plenty of tables and good ventilation for both of us non-smokers. No need to pop up to the bar - you could order from the kitchen and the bar with the QR codes on the tables, a great initiative. We were already thoroughly impressed with the service so far - friendly, quick and accurate but we heard a lovely Irish voice come over the speaker to remind everyone that Happy Hour was coming to an end and also that the kitchen was going to expect some delays tonight as it was busy in the bar and bistro, and that tonight was not only Parma night but also Trivia Night. Several voiceovers occurred throughout our visit - to warn of delays in the kitchen due to the sheer volume of people ordering. We waited maybe all of 20 minutes during the beginning of peak service, so wait times were basically non-existent. When ordering via the QR code, a wait time also appeared to help manage expectations. We ordered both food and pints - in terms of food it was your standard pub fare. Limited vegan options - I did order a pizza with no cheese, but unfortunately came out with cheese. Nevermind though, easily scraped off because it's cheese, not the plague. The parma was spot on for a pub parma, nothing overly fancy but that's not what we were looking for. It was reliable and did the job. When ordering pints later on during a peak period, the QR codes indicated a 15min wait time. No more than 5 mins passed (if that - wasn't counting but it was definitely quick and a lot quicker than 15mins) and staff popped around with the drinks and apologised for the wait - no need, there was no wait or delay! Regardless, the general public need to accept that wait times are an expectation at peak times of service. People could learn to be a lot more patient. Service for the entire 5 hours we were there was impeccable (and we are seasoned pub hounds). Melbourne on tap is a HUGE plus. Food is edible. The atmosphere was relaxed and social. Great pub all around.

A very positive experience and untapped gem of the South of the Yarra. Thank you to everyone at Inkerman Hotel, you are all doing...

Dearest Inkerman hotel management team,

I am a proud to call the Inkerman my local and have been attending religiously for the last 5 years now. Unfortunately upon my return to this great venue after a couple weeks away I was unbelievably disappointed to find that the greatest pub meal in the whole of Melbourne had been removed from the menu…. The Big Mac Parma. How could such a unique and exquisite dish be caught in the crossfire of what can be only be described as a management blunder. My disappointment grew as I went to the bar to quench my thirst with a tasty tap poured brookvale ginger beer only to find that it also is no longer an option. I love attending this place and will always continue but it would mean the world to a proud supporting local and his plethora of mates that these items most importantly the famous Big Mac Parma be brought back as soon as physically possible.

Sincerely, The Kambrook...

This one ⭐️ review is about the appalling customer service my friend received when we attended last night. After waiting 40 minutes for a $34:90 steak my friend returned it as she found it to be full of fat and gristle. What she received was the most appalling customer service experience I have witnesses and heard In a long time. From our table we could hear that the young male manager clearly thought my friend knew nothing and proceeded to “mansplain” about steak based on his “years” of experience. I thought that this type of condescending customer service was long gone but clearly not at the Inkerman Hotel. My friend received a very reluctant refund because she was insistent that the meal she received was not up to scratch based on her “years” of experience, unsurprisingly the diatribe continued. There are no excuses for this awful...