Royal Hotel — Restaurant in Melbourne

I had the pleasure of dropping into the Royal on a mission for a much-needed pint of the coldest Carlton Draught I could get my hands on after a 15hr flight I (somehow, temporarily) do monthly from San Francisco to see my bloke while we work out his visa. I’d say getting my grubby little American hands on the vastly superior Aussie beers may just be tied for first place level of excitement, he certainly had competition, and understood that fully. Alas, I digress. After popping into the shops close by for some essentials, I recognized the need to satisfy my deepest desire to scour the neighborhood for a suitable pub to crash until he knocked off site up the road. Boy, did I get lucky, the Royal was exactly what I was looking for - down to earth, invitingly cozy, friendly, and didn’t immediately burn me at the stake for ordering a pint in my (very obvious) voice. I get it, it’s totally valid. The second an American enters a pub, everyone knows. Or anywhere, we deserve it, we’re annoying, you’re not wrong. But this wasn’t my first rodeo, colloquial pun intended. I attempted to enter quietly and unassumingly, dumped my shopping bags next to my chosen high top table. I originally intended to keep to myself and enjoy the pokies a bit to pass the time. That didn’t last long, as I stuck out like a sore thumb, but not in a bad way. I recognized a group behind me immediately that seemed to get on like a house on fire, close as blood even if they weren’t. One by one, friendly but inquisitive faces came up to chat, and it wasn’t long before I was fully (and happily) absorbed by such a welcoming group. From the bartenders, to the house manager, to the patrons that love the Royal as their home, I was welcomed with open arms, as they insisted I didn’t sit by myself. I can’t emphasize how nice everyone was here, especially as my original intent was to be the least disruptive presence in their spot. I rocked up around midday, and by 15:30 when my boyfriend finally came to fetch me, he was met with excited exclamations from each person he walked past - “Oh you’re Matt! You’re finally here!” He actually had trouble finding me at first, as I was enjoying everyone’s company & banter too deep in the thick of it to notice the time. All I can say about this place is thank you to the staff and patrons for your overwhelming and genuine kindness, I had an absolutely wonderful time getting to know all of you. The Royal is a beautiful, special, authentic spot that I won’t...

Being a Sunbury local in a regular at the Royal Hotel ~ I can’t express how amazing the staff and food is. I often take myself and young family in for a meal and every time we are greeted by fun loving bubbly staff, when giving my kids an option where to go for tea it’s always the ROYAL. The staff go out of their way to ensure myself and kids are welcome (even interacting with my kids sharing some funny jokes). On other occasions my dad and I frequent the venue and always on arrival the staff are amazing and it’s reassuring to me that as my dad is nearly 80 years old he can spend a few hour in the venue being well looked after by gaming staff and them always engaging in conversation and assisting him when needed. A HUGE thank you to Donna (manager), Rebecca and Theresa!!! Again THANK YOU to Rebecca for your lovely friendly service this evening, the meals were great and your bright smiling face always makes our time at the Royal amazing - definitely 10/10. Highly...

Disappointed to say the least. Went in for the monthly seafood special. Mussels and flake. When ordering a ad told they had no mussels. Ok so we ordered the calamari. Before we received our meals we were told the chef decided to take the monthly special off. Beta in mind we were still in time for the end of month. Very disappointed so I complained to the staff member who advised usm I asked for a complete refund of the food ordered. When I went to the counter to get refund. I was rudely told by someone else that I should not take it up with the staff member and take it up with management. To which I asked, "are you management" she said yes. So I raised it with her. She proceeded to advise me that it was not here problem either. It was all about the experience. Very rude to say the least. Yes I was a bit p / off as we drove their especially to have the special. . I will never go back to the royal we have eaten there quite a bit. The olive tree...