Newbay Hotel — Restaurant in Melbourne

I’ve come here a few times with my family because it’s nearby and the food is decent. classic pub meals done fairly well. But every time, the customer service has been incredibly rude and unwelcoming. The staff consistently come across as cold and uninterested, which makes for a really uncomfortable atmosphere, especially if you’re alone or in a small group. It honestly makes sense why the place is often so empty. One experience that really stood out was when I walked past during the day and saw a sign out the front inviting people to “come in for coffee.” I went in and asked for one, and instead of a greeting, the bald man behind the bar immediately asked for ID, without explanation or even a hello. I’m 20, and wasn’t ordering alcohol, just a coffee. It felt like they simply didn’t want to make it. There was no one else inside, so it’s not like they were busy. Even if I had been under 18, I checked the Victorian café licensing rules, there’s no legal reason I shouldn’t have been served.

It’s a shame, because the location and food could make this a great spot, but the atmosphere created by the staff ruins it every time.

edit: Thanks for the response, though I must admit I’m a little confused. It appears you may have mistaken my review for a different complaint (which itself is telling), as there was no mention of moving customers or a fully booked venue. I simply walked in and ordered a coffee. On the more relevant point: I’m well aware of the conditions of your liquor license. However, as I’m sure you’re also aware, it is not a requirement to check ID for someone ordering a takeaway coffee. The signage about patrons under 25 applies to licensed service and consumption, not a non-alcoholic item to go. Stating that “the venue can refuse service” sounds authoritative, but it’s misleading in this context. No valid grounds for refusal were present, and suggesting otherwise only reinforces the tone of dismissiveness that prompted my original review. Even if there was grounds for refusal, it doesn't excuse the attitude of the staff members and lack of basic customer service. Nonetheless, I do appreciate your...

I am a regular at the New Bay Hotel and dine there with my family and extended family. I may not drink and punt on the horses EVERY day but I am there at least twice a month. Tonight was a horrible experience. We decided to dine in the Sports bar at 5:30pm rather than the restaurant and I have done so before. The middle eastern bar tender is always a gentleman and makes every single one of us feel welcome, every single time. Tonight there were some grumpy old men (patrons) that were making us feel uncomfortable and swearing about my little girl squealing with excitement and just being cheeky. I can understand they are grumpy old men but when the extremely young manager said he agreed with them and he thinks we “probably shouldn’t bring her here and there are other places with playpens”, I find that extremely rude, unwelcoming and it’s discriminating. You have a kids menu for goodness sake. I am allowed to dine there with my children and whether you think “I should or shouldn’t” is beside the point. As a manager you should keep your opinion to yourself and make ALL of your patrons welcome. Completely...

We all know that this venue is poker machine orientated but went there on steak night for $30 special I know I should have known better

The public bar last had money spent on it last century but staff are happy and long suffering pros

Steak arrived quickly which was a bad sign and as expected a disaster

Presented on a raised triangle plate that meant all ingredients pushed to middle of plate and unable to get flat plate to cut steak Steak was rare, indelible and because of so many uncooked sinews unable to be cut with cutlery I had to locate at bar

Steak had char from a dirty grill, chips from dirty oil and wilted sorry excuse of salad

Worst meal ever

Afraid to eat

Can bayside council do an...