Pig & Whistle Tavern — Restaurant in Melbourne

I was hoping to discuss my concerns privately in regards to my experience at the Pig and Whistle Tavern on last Saturday 25.06.2022, however they do not seem to have an email address. My partner and I decided to have an early dinner there as it was highly recommended by a friend of mine. As we didn't have a booking we were told the only table would be outside. I understood this as I failed to book and I understood on a Saturday night it would be fully booked. The outside area, had no heating which I found incredibly, strange as it is the middle of Winter and you would assume they would have some kind of heating. We managed to find some stand alone heaters that we attempted to plug in however these did not work. The staff observed us doing this however, no effort was made to assist. Another couple, at another table managed to ask the waitress for a gas bottle for another heater however, this was empty. There was no effort by the staff to assist at all , they seemed to be more interested in talking inside. There was one staff member, I unfortunately did not get her name, ( Tall with glasses) who seemed to be the only one working. When the food came it was sub par at best. The nachos were cold and the chicken was dry. There was no cutlery offered and I had to spend time getting my own water, glasses knives and forks. There was no interest in how our food was or if we needed anything. The whole experience was disappointing and not what I was...

I wasn’t going to write a review for this place but first time we came here we didn’t really enjoyed the service, we felt like we were a nuisance being there. The food was okay for the price point, we all ordered steak which cost almost $50 with the sauce. They cooked my steak a little too much for what I asked for. I let it go because I was starving, coming from a hike in a nearby trail. The staff that served us answered with short & blunt remarks.

Second time visiting the place, we received the same customer service. We felt like we weren’t welcome, the way the staff speaks to you doesn’t feel like they are happy to have customers coming to their door. I ordered the steak again- medium rare. The food came out and when I cut into it, it was pretty much well done. I hesitated to say something but with that price point and my previous experience I decided to tell them I wasn’t really happy with what I was getting. I was met with hostility and gas lighting me that it was medium rare even though it wasn’t. I asked for a new one which took so long to arrive.

So, I won’t recommend this place to anyone. I think there are better places in the area with better service and probably better food. I won’t be coming back.

I am not sure if the staff there are happy to be working but I think they need to find...

Served me a burnt/overly charred steak and ale pie. Really wasn't edible.

I did let the server know when they cleared the table and they said they were already aware. Bit odd that they didn't come to my table ask me how the food was or address it if they were already aware?

Anyways someone came by shortly after politely apologized said he would remove it off my bill. Don't think they did otherwise they charged me $75 for fish and chips, rhubarb and crumble, 2 pints and a coffee. I never got to see the bill but I didn't want to cause a fuss and just paid.

Tbh the servers were nice ppl probably just a mistake. Kitchen shouldn't let something like that go out. And once you as front staff know it would make sense to go to tables and just politely enquire how the food is? And please always show the bill.

It's a really nice location, really nice selection of beers on tap, not just your typical Aussie pints, a wide selection of British and European bitters, ales and beers on tap is impressive. It reminded me of my time in Prague, so the beers obviously travel very well, very nice outdoor garden seating, traditional English pub style inside, decent food menu, good atmosphere.

I'll definitely give this another try. Hopefully no more charred food. I don't want to be coughing for...