Perry’s (Peregrine Social Club) — Restaurant in Melbourne

Hearing news on the web saying there is recently a newly opened cafe near the well-known Valley Lake, I have decided to meet up an old friend of mine for a catch-up breakfast at this place. We initially had great expectations for the eatery right before entry, especially because it is crowded with weekend family diners and a ton of staff members to manage the cafe. However, after the events that transpired, I and my friend were very disappointed at this cafe.

This cafe had almost an entire fleet of staff (at least 10 cramped in the cafe making area, with 3-4 people making 1 coffee). The staff appeared to have been very inexperienced, and the ordering process was confusing. For example, the staff over there are not sure whether orders can be made in person rather than on the App; while this is a cafe when the App doesn't even have the function to allow customer to order a coffee, the staff perplexed whether that's the case and on what to do.

This is the biggest turn-off. The sizes and portion of the food were entirely misleading and that based on their responses instead of correction they basically tells you "it is what it is". Although the price they ask for banana bread as a dish is not relatively cheap, I rationalised to myself before making the order along with other coffee and food thinking it made sense given the atmosphere the cafe provides. However, instead of being delivered with what's shown in the image of the App, what actually arrived on the table was a halved portion of what's shown in the image shown on the App. Remaining calm while being frustrated, we raised the issue to a lady staff who initially also believed it was likely an error, but then we were later dismissed and given an unacceptable excuse. What both I and my friend were told by a lady staff representing the dishonoured staff from the kitchen saying that "Whatever shown in the image is for reference only" and that "bread is served based on grams". That is definitely one of the most ridiculous excuse I and my friend have have ever heard in our lifetime.

What a terrible experience at this place, an unscrupulous cafe besides an otherwise beautiful lake. Overall, very disappointed with the service, and we won't ever be coming back, and i will say the same to any...

Here’s the revised review with the additional points included:

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

Today, I visited Peregrine Social Club and spent $48 on the following:

2 cappuccinos with oat milk (no sugar)

1 Croque Monsieur

1 Peri-Peri Chicken Burger

While I hoped for a pleasant experience, I was deeply disappointed.

Peri-Peri Chicken Burger: The chicken patties were shockingly subpar. They appeared boiled, minimally grilled, and with little to no seasoning. The overwhelming flavors were of water and burnt. It was clear the burns had been hastily scraped away, leaving a rubbery texture and an unpleasant burnt aftertaste. The vegetables—limp lettuce and a sad, past-prime tomato slice—did nothing to elevate the burger. The peri-peri sauce on the top bun and questionable "mayo" on the bottom bun were lackluster and uninspired.

Cappuccinos: As an Industry Beans Inside Club member and loyal fan of the brand, I was appalled. The cappuccino was scaldingly hot, bitter, and virtually undrinkable. This was the first time I’ve ever left an Industry Beans coffee unfinished—it was that bad.

Staff and Environment: The staff were lovely and an absolute joy to engage with—a true highlight of the visit. The cafe’s location, with its lake and serene scenery, makes for a perfect setting on a summer’s day. However, once you look beyond the view and take in the surroundings, the cracks begin to show. Dirty lampshades and warped external furniture reveal a lack of care and maintenance that detracts from the overall experience.

Overall Quality: This experience was a letdown in every sense. The ingredients were tired, the execution careless, and the flavors utterly lacking. While the setting has potential and the staff shine, the glaring issues with food, drink, and maintenance cannot be overlooked. I expect much better from any establishment, let alone one associated with a respected coffee brand.

Conclusion: Peregrine Social Club needs to address these issues urgently if they aim to serve food, coffee, and an experience worthy of their name. For now, I cannot recommend this cafe to anyone seeking quality or attention to detail.

Photos attached...

Have been here a few times, varying from when they first opened. Haven’t had a seamless experience or just a normal cafe experience ever. But my last experience, last week- will not see me coming back.

Location is great. Food from the kitchen is great (if there are no hairs in it). Coffee is okay….not sure if it’s the bean or the person making it. Lacking in the service and the way management is operating the place, which seems to be the common theme.

The service is not great at all, there was only one staff member who acknowledged us the last time we came in, a young male. So many staff members but not many customers. It’s just strange that they turn people away and there are so many empty tables and seats- when in reality if you go for a little drive you can’t get a seat at other cafes. It’s bustling and turnover is high.

Wanted to give them a few tries to see if it would get any better as it’s important to support local, but unfortunately it hasn’t. From not taking orders correctly, to staff running around looking lost but not actually doing anything, to staff members crying and customers complaining asking where their food is. Just a mess and I feel that getting some advice and additional support is needed. It can be done better. It’s a learning curve, but the time for...