The Park Hotel Werribee — Restaurant in Melbourne

Definitely worth a visit and generally a good option for a group or party with varying food desires. A few things to note first. There is a dress code and the doorman can be a bit OTT. I was casual but smart but wearing my (clean) boots and was refused entry. I was told there was no work clothing. I’m retired so clearly not a young tradie. As we argued the point a couple walked out and the guy was wearing the exact same boots. When I queried this I was told, “oh he must have come in before 6pm”. Anyway, the shift manager sorted it out and in we came. Second, I like German white beer but you can’t have a German draft beer unless you buy the glass (stein) up front. I was driving so only wanted a pot and couldn’t have one. I could have a half-stein and pay for the glass for $25. Telling me I can refill all night at the cost of the beer and that the glass purchase is a one off is of no consequence to me. Why do I want to take home a German beer stein? Service was good. Lots of staff. Very attentive and the Bavarian costumes and uhm-pa-pa music adds some ambience but it’s not Bavaria and it’s a bit kitsch, but fun. Just don’t think it’s in any way a true taste of Bavaria! It makes it all very noisy so it’s not a spot for a dinner date or an intimate twosome. There’s an outside beer garden and a more casual eating area out on the street but enclosed. The only trouble is it allows smoking in one section. Apart from the fact that anywhere that allows smoking whilst people are eating is a no go: technically the areas should be physically divided so that smoke cannot drift from the smoking area to the non-smoking area. It isn’t and I’d hesitate to say the set up is not allowable in Victoria. Shame because we would have liked to sit outside with our puppy. The food itself is varied and has something for everybody. It’s generally good but there’s a theme going on of most things being “smoked”, even the meat on the pizzas. Might not suit everybody. They try to be different than your normal pub and the choices look good on paper; whether they work in practice is another matter. For example, the side of winter veggies is a welcome alternative to fries or salad but dishing up pumpkin and sweet potato slices still in their skins is a no no. Also, the tahini and maple syrup sauce was like eating your veggies covered in toffee. It wasn’t unpleasant but I’m not a fan of sweet and sticky with my savoury. General though the food is good and all dishes arrived promptly and together - always a plus and not easy in such a busy venue. The pizzas looked great (if you’re a thin and crispy pizza fan). The other plus was a genuine attempt to offer vegan and dairy free options on some meals (where possible) that use sauces or mayonnaise. All in all it’s worth a visit and I’d probably go for a return visit at some stage. Well worth giving it a go. Just be prepared...

When rare is rarely delivered!

Ahhh the Park – it’s our local, it’s vibrant (loud), it’s busy, it’s undeniably the only contemporary pub in Werribee that appeals to a younger demographic.

But that’s about all it has to offer. I’m not sure why we continue to dine there – see above re: contemporary pub. There’s an extensive menu, which really is a warning sign. With 42 dishes to choose from how could you go wrong? Well with 42 dishes, you’ve got 42 ways to get it wrong.

Let’s take the “Spring Menu”, let’s be honest, it’s the every season menu. The Park’s menu has made some minor changes, but it’s really still the same food they’ve been serving since…well, since it opened. I mean with the numbers through the door, why would you change it…just because the Park has a monopoly on the west side market, doesn’t mean it should stop making an effort.

After a week away, the thought of cooking on a Friday night was the furthest thing from my mind…I turned to my partner and said “come on babe, let’s go to the park, we can walk there…” And that’s where the joy of The Park ended…only a 5minute walk from our front door – oh the convenience.

I was hungry for a good steak – emphasis on “good”. But time and time again I am left with nothing more than an over cooked and under seasoned lamb rump or porterhouse. But, wanting to give the Park and its crew the benefit of the doubt, I went back for the porterhouse. Knowing my previous troubles, I ordered it rare…My thought process was simple, rare = medium rare…but no, rare apparently = medium, and once again under seasoned.

Normally I would send it back, but we’d already waited 35 minutes to get a rare steak and a beef brisket sub…don’t get me started on the sub…so I endured the steak, imploring my partner to remind me next time I suggest the Park to respond to me with nothing...

I am very conflicted in giving this review, given my fabulous dining experience at the Park Werribee last time.

Unfortunately, this time our experience in dining at the Park Werribee was not up to mark. In total, we have to wait for 1 hour 25 minutes for our food to arrive. And even when the food has arrived, we were disappointed to find that the burgers were not up to standard, and the chips were not crispy/ well salted. We also noted that we have to ask the waitresses (and to also be asked in return) multiple times for the status on our food, which is somewhat embarrassing and reflective of a lack of good customer service.

I understand that with an ongoing function and a busy crowd following the easing of the lockdown, it can be difficult to serve food and long customer times are expected. But getting customers to wait beyond 1 hour, only to get subpar food, is quite unacceptable. Some of us have also come a long way from the Eastern suburbs just to pay a visit and we just didn't think it was worth what we are paying for this time.

I'm still giving 3 stars though because I live around this area, I understand your pain and I want to support your business as much as I can. Please however, do take this feedback into consideration as I really want to see an improvement in the future.

On the bright side, thank you for offering your sincere apologies at the entrance and also serving...