The Grand Hotel Warrandyte — Restaurant in Melbourne

I've lived close by to the Grand for quite a while now. In fact, I've driven past it twice a day, every day for the last the last 5 years. Yet the Grand was no stranger to me before my personal tidings with the place...I'd been a guest of both family and there dining room on two occasions prior to the last 60 months of crossing paths with the establishment. Yet sadly (yet also quite emphatically), I'd never felt the urge to even stop in for a beer by choice.....until two weeks ago. In saying that, I reckon I may be the only person (bar the old school locals) who hasnt at some stage felt the urge to step inside and see what else may compliment the beautifuly restored heritage fascia I was happy to continue seeing and calling my entire experience of the Grand Hotel Warrandyte. Now, if you have been inside and had the chance to order a drink and/or experience the menu, you would have to be wondering by now why i seem to be intent on neg-posting about an outer Melbourne gastro pub that is clearly a well located business, meticulously maintained, has a good patron to staff ratio, and above all, would seem to own, and has grown into quite proudly, it's ode to fusion....Australian style. In fact, one may suggest that the sheer numbers The Grand is hosting from Thursday night to Sunday late after noon would not only suggest that they are far from just barely keeping their doors open, and much closer to being regarded (if not already), as a Warrandyte icon.

So as far as the general consensus goes....it would seem that regardless of what im about to say that concerns me about The Grand(and places like it), is that apart from the fact they have failed to follow up a bar tab discrepancy I raised after finally venturing in for a drink with a friend, is that its now become a haven for yuppy east Victorian suburbanites and arrogantly affluent 25=35 year olds that make me feel like I, a local, don't belong.

Here in Australia, we call the town pub, 'our local'. Yet the atmosphere generated by The Grand's and its patrons makes it feel more like the Outsider. The crazy thing is that when i went in there, it made ME feel like the outsider.

So, as both a foodie and someone who worked in the hospitality industry (globally) for over 30 years, I can recommend The Grand Hotel to anyone that wishes to enjoy a gastro meal in a modern setting, only steps away from the Yarra River. I would also suggest going with friends or acquiring a thick skin (if you dont already have one), because you may fjnd yourself feeling out of place......even if you are a local.

By the way, I still haven't heard back from the manager regarding a $200 bar tab I put down. After purchasing (paid for on the spot)a beer and one mixed spirit, I left $200 cash at the bar to facilitate a running tab. After not enjoying the ambience, my friend and I decided to leave. I went and got my car whilst my friend collected the tab for me, of which I received the remainder of $100 and not a full $200 like I left. Still waiting from the manager to get back to me regarding this...

A Grand Affair at the Splendid Grand Hotel in Warrandyte - Ladies Oaks Day Luncheon 2023 Review

Step into the opulent embrace of the Grand Hotel in Warrandyte, and you'll find yourself immersed in a world of elegance, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Our journey to this grand establishment, whether through the convenience of Ubers or the luxury of a chauffeur, set the stage for a day of indulgence under the warm embrace of the radiant sun.

Anticipation buzzed in the air as we eagerly awaited the Ladies Oaks Day luncheon, an event promising a symphony of flavours and a vibrant display of fashion. The fabulous fillies in attendance, spanning diverse ages, adorned themselves in a kaleidoscope of colours, creating a lively and visually stunning spectacle. Dresses, hats, and hairpieces intertwined, creating a tapestry of style where genuine compliments flowed freely.

Ascending upstairs, we were warmly greeted by friends, and the atmosphere became even more festive as Sav Blancs and Prosecco flowed like a river, courtesy of the attentive staff at the Grand Hotel. Platters of sea prawns and chicken sandwiches disappeared as quickly as they arrived, and the festive spirit of the occasion enveloped the room.

The highlight of the day came with the announcement of icy cold mango daiquiris, expertly served by the maestros of cheer, Pat and his partner. The filly frenzy at the top bar stage was met with cool composure as guests eagerly indulged in the intoxicating delight of these golden nectars. With each sip, spirits soared, setting the stage for a party that was about to implore everyone to join in the revelry.

The lower bar became a realm of excitement with cheers and laughter echoing against the walls as guests tuned in to the races at Flemington. Amidst the thundering hooves and the uproar of the crowd, winners celebrated their fortunes, creating an electrifying atmosphere. In the organized chaos, the staff at the Grand Hotel navigated with ninja-like precision, ensuring professionalism while catering to the enthusiastic crowd.

As the DJ's music ignited the dance floor, the beats thumped against the walls, and heels pounded the floor, forming the backdrop for new friendships and shared life stories. The Ladies Oaks Day luncheon became a melting pot of bonds and memories, a celebration of the grand soiree that unfolded in the heart of Warrandyte.

As the day grew old and the sun dipped low, casting hues of gold, a heartfelt cheer was raised to Alex and his team for orchestrating a Ladies Day that would forever be etched in our memories. The countdown has begun for the next chapter of this grand affair – 358 sleeps until the 2024 Ladies Oaks Day luncheon, where we will once again come together to shampoo, rinse, and repeat the magic of this splendid...

Unfortunately I was left disappointed with my first experience. Friends have visited there quite a few times including those who we went with on the night.

We went on 27 December 2024 with friends and our children and could not make a booking which was fine as it was Christmas trading so no worries we got there before we thought it would be too busy. We got there at 5.20pm and there was only bar stool style table seating. We asked for a table and chairs due to my mobility issues and told the bistro was closed and only seating inside at the bar area and outside. It was very difficult to get up and down from the high stools. I’ve never made a push for accommodation but made me think how someone that was elderly would have managed as I struggled and it was very uncomfortable.  It was disappointing to see when we left that they had opened the standard tables and chairs for people.

I thought you could QR code order from the table (like Budgie Bar) but the QR is for the menus only. We ordered kids meals, shoestring fries $14,  polenta chips $17  to share (which were very nice ) and our mains. We had asked that entree come first with kids meals then our meals with he chip sides. It all came at once. We managed though.

I ordered the Teriyaki glazed salmon $34.00 which was cooked well but too much of the pickled spiced cucumber for me. Personal preference nothing against the dish it was great. The beer battered blue grenadier $30 was also well cooked and I was told a nice piece of fish The 2 guys ordered the $29 Mild Mexican Frijoles which I am sorry to say looked like a dogs breakfast. The bean chili looked unappetising, it was slapped together on a plate and both said it was average at best. They regretted not having the steak sandwich Now I didn’t order the kids meals so I was shocked when only 3 little chicken nuggets came out with chips (and salad)  that cost $14! No drink included,  no dessert just 3 nuggets with chips and salad.

The price in my opinion was expensive for what was received, the service of the 2 young staff members Cody and Mason (girl) was amazing though. Really lovely and pleasant. You could see they were working hard and very polite. Saving grace. Would I rush back… no sorry. Great place maybe for a parma and a drink for people watching. But parma is $32 FYI.

Was still a nice evening, we have great company and lovely service but the food and the price we paid for it let the experience down. If we go again; as always I will...