Melbourne Central Lion Hotel — Restaurant in Melbourne

As a man of refined tastes, calibrated routines, and a particular aversion to unpredictability in both cuisine and human interaction, I must state without hyperbole that my experience at the Melbourne Central Lion Hotel was not merely satisfactory; it was a statistically improbable convergence of affordability, atmosphere, and adaptive service that deserves a glowing footnote in the annals of pub excellence.

Let us begin with the culinary economics. In a city where food prices often reflect either Michelin-starred delusions or boutique lettuce shortages, this establishment offers a menu of unexpectedly reasonable pricing, allowing patrons such as myself to enjoy a satisfying meal without the fiscal anxiety of needing to sell plasma afterward. Though I abstain from alcohol for both intellectual and gastrointestinal reasons, I can report, based on empirical observation and several loudly affirming testimonies from nearby patrons, that the beverage selection is both extensive and enthusiastically consumed.

Now, onto the true gem in their crown: sports broadcasting flexibility. As an avid cricket aficionado (and someone who maintains an unhealthy attachment to Australia's national team), I found myself internally devastated when I noticed the screens were showcasing a different, less mentally stimulating sport. I hesitantly approached the staff to request a channel change, mentally prepared for a bureaucratic pushback.

But what occurred next was... remarkable.

The staff, with professionalism and the swiftness of a NASA launch team, granted my request with zero hesitation and maximum politeness. Within seconds, the cricket match materialized before me in full HD glory, restoring both my serotonin levels and my faith in customer service. In an age where “the customer is always right” is more theory than practice, the Melbourne Central Lion Hotel turned that phrase into living doctrine.

Environmentally, the venue balances a sporty pub aesthetic with just enough lighting to allow for visibility without inducing corneal damage. Whether you are here for a quick bite, an extended match viewing, or just existential avoidance via potato wedges, this is the place for you.

In summary, this establishment is more than just a pub. It is a haven for the hungry, the sporty, and the socially observant. And if you're lucky enough to meet the staff who put cricket on for me tell them...

Although I am a regular at Lion and have been coming here usually on Friday nights for the past 2 and a half years I had a negative experience with a staff member and one of the managers this past Wednesday the 30th December. It was around 8pm and the bar was not busy (maybe around 3 - 5 people at the most queuing up) when I had decided to order a drink while waiting for a friend to show up.I was distracted by my phone as I had to keep an eye out for texts from my friend and probably came off as being preoccupied when the young female blonde bartender asked what I would like to order, to which I replied with an unsatisfactory (in hindsight) 'I don't know, I have to look at the menu'. The female bartender walked to the other side of the bar after this exchange and the male manager with the unusual ponytail immediately appeared from the same side (I'm assuming she told him to deal with me) and greeted me with an impatient 'what can I get for you mate?'. Considering the fact that it was not busy why would it be so difficult to conceal your impatience with a customer who hasn't decided what to order? They have menus on the bar so it is unreasonable to think that every single customer knows exactly what they want every time they step up to the bar. The vast majority of interactions I've had with staff members at Lion has been overwhelmingly positive with this experience a glaring exception. Hopefully myself and other patrons won't have to deal with this type of curt manner of speaking from staff in the future in particular from the young female blonde staff member whose overall communication is below standard (e.g. inability to explain availability of beverages and impatience with a customer ordering despite not being busy) and as well as from the pony-tailed male manager who facilitated this poor...

I am writing to express my profound disappointment with the recent experience I had at your establishment. Having been a loyal patron, I expected consistent and sound customer service, but my visit on 30 September 2023 left much to be desired. On this particular occasion, I had looked forward to enjoying a late lunch after a morning of cycling and watching the AFL Grand Finals. The scorching weather prompted me to purchase a Slurpee from a nearby 7-11. Excited and hungry, I entered your premises around 2 PM. However, my excitement quickly turned to bewilderment when a staff member, presumably one of the managers, intercepted me at the entrance. I was informed that Slurpees were not allowed inside the establishment. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding your establishment's commitment to sound customer service. Rather than welcoming guests and ensuring a comfortable experience, it felt like I was being policed for carrying a Slurpee, which, in my view, should not have been any different from carrying a bottled water. What troubles me most is that this is not the first time I have visited your establishment. I have dined and enjoyed your services on numerous occasions in the past. It is disheartening to think that a loyal customer would be treated in such a manner. Instead of scrutinizing what customers bring in (slurpee/bottle water), I believe your focus should be on enhancing the overall quality of your services, the standard of your food, and the overall customer experience. Regrettably, I decided to abandon my plans and seek a more welcoming environment elsewhere. I firmly believe that a dining experience should be enjoyable and hassle-free, and I did not feel that way during my recent visit. Definitely, I will not waste my time going back to this...