The Cheeky Squire — Restaurant in Melbourne

If I could give 4.5 star rating I would...

This venue is beautiful and inviting. Plenty of parking around the restaurant. The atmosphere is really nice, a great place to enjoy an evening with friends on a nice night and or dinner/lunch.

We were greeted at the door by a really lovely lady (26th March 2022 @5:20pm) she was very friendly. It was a requirement to be vaccinated and show your vaccination certificate and we did need to check in. While the state may not require this anymore, this venue is still taking to steps to protect their patrons all the same, so, who can complain if they are still being safe.

The food! what can I say... WOW! The food is amazing! Awesome sized portions, every menu item looked wonderful. We were watching others orders coming out, couldn't believe what they were being served up! It all looked amazing.

We had the (V) Pesto Gnocchi, (V) Macaroni Croquets, (V) Beetroot Burger with Sweet Potato Fries & Side of the Veggies. Then for dessert we had White Chocolate Tart and Sticky Date Pudding. I kid you not, every single bit was incredible! With a couple of Pale Ales and Lemon Lime Bitters. We LOVED that they had Vegan and Vegetarian options and a few options at that! Thanks Cheeky Squire.

I also have to say, how easy it is to order. Simply use the QR code on the table, order and pay for your food and drinks via their app. It was super easy. Then it was brought to you.

The reason I didn't give 5 stars, is I feel the staff could be a bit more friendlier. They were not rude in any way at all, just they were not as friendly as some places. Just a couple of staff members, their attire and appearance were a bit untidy and a little grubby, I do think measures could be in place to ensure, hair is neat and tidy, clothes dont have food on them when serving meals, I'm sure the use of Aprons would be useful in this instance. When they came to collect the plates, we weren't asked if we enjoyed our meal or if there was anything they could do for us. I think when being seated, i feel a glass bottle of water and glasses could be provided complimentary. It would take this service and experience to a new height. However, based on the quality of the food and the venue, it's NOT a deal breaker. I can see that the staff were working hard.

Would I return? YES! I would. In fact, this was actually my second time. Next time Im heading that way, it will be on list of things to be doing.

I did feel the alcohol beverages were pricey. $12 for a pint, but that is my opinion. Having a couple of these tends to jack the bill up. But when this is a treat, it is what it is. Prices are good for the quality and size portions of the food. Don't turn your nose up at the food prices, because, you will be thanking me after.

Thanks Cheeky Squire, keep up this level of...

I really have mixed feelings about this place - the potential is there, but at the moment it just does not live up to expectations. I have been here for dinner twice now, most recently last night, and I really cannot recommend it. On a positive note, most of the staff were very friendly and helpful, and the beers on offer are not bad. Unfortunately there are just too many downsides. Firstly, we stood for five minutes at the entrance to the dining area and waited to be seated. Despite standing within arms reach of the barman, and several staff members passing us on their way to and fro, not one person asked if we needed assistance!. Eventually we asked and were told to go to the "cheeky check in" desk, which because of the crowds was not visible from the entrance. Once seated we were offered menus and asked if we wanted drinks, but I had to push for information about the beers available-not really good enough for a "craft brewery". Just as an aside, it took them twenty five minutes to make my wife a cocktail, which was delivered to us only after I asked where it was, and after our main courses arrived! So much for a pre dinner drink... Also, the beers that I had ordered for my tasting paddle were not the ones that arrived - again, not good enough for a "brewhouse". The food itself was fairly bland, undersized, and certainly overpriced. The noise level in this place is ridiculous, with table conversation not really an option. It was also unpleasantly hot, as all the windows face the afternoon sun, and the air conditioning was not turned on, (or at least having no impact on the heat). After our meal we sat with empty plates for fifteen minutes before deciding we had had enough. Not one staff member approached our table from the time the food was delivered! No one asked if there was anything we wanted/needed, inquired about our meal, cleared our table, or asked if we wanted more drinks, or would like dessert. Nothing. As I said, I have given this place two tries, and if anything it was worse the second time around. I do not like giving low ratings, and I really think this place could do so much better, but at this stage, sorry James, but your Cheeky Squire...

I’m a mother of two, one almost a teenager, and my family and I have been going to Cheeky Squire for well over a year now. We live nearby, the scenery is beautiful, and it’s been a regular spot for us. But after what I’ve witnessed time and time again, I can’t keep quiet anymore.

As someone who grew up in Frankston and knows the local restaurant scene well, I’ve seen a lot of dynamics, but nothing as disappointing as what’s happening here. The staff are treated appallingly. There’s no appreciation, no recognition, and honestly, it’s clear many of them are miserable. When you speak to them, you can tell they don’t want to be there — and who could blame them?

The problem is obvious: the venue manager, Mellissa. I’ve watched her sit in the restaurant, arms folded, judgment written all over her face, refusing to lift a finger no matter how chaotic or busy the bistro and function rooms get. Instead of supporting her team, she tears them down. Her attitude is condescending, cold, and frankly pathetic. She carries herself with this smug, self-important air while the people actually running the place — the staff — are treated like garbage.

As a professional business manager myself, it makes my blood boil to see someone in a leadership role behave this way. And the worst part? After talking with other locals, including parents of former staff, it turns out the situation behind the scenes is even worse. I’ve heard first-hand accounts of power-tripping, bullying, and toxic management — all thanks to Mellissa.

Cheeky Squire desperately needs a clean-out, starting with her. Mellissa, you owe your staff an apology and a long, hard look in the mirror. The way you’ve treated people is disgraceful. I honestly don’t know how this venue still makes money with such a poisonous environment. Under previous management, it was never this bad — but under you, it’s a trainwreck.

To the staff: you deserve so much better than this. Don’t let Mellissa convince you otherwise. I hope every single one of you finds a bigger, better place that values you. And Mellissa, you can delete this review if you like, but you can’t delete the truth.

Enjoy your “power,” because it won’t...