Varnish on King — Restaurant in Perth

DISAPPEARING ACT // Avoid the set menu (aud65pp) at Varnish on King if you are after a decent meal. Music played was excessively loud and we had to shout across the table to be heard even when the table was less than 1 metre apart.

The group of us ordered the set menu for six (total aud390) and still left super hungry. We had wanted to add extras and relayed this to our server as there were seven of us but after our server confidently assured us in saying that the food would be more than enough to feed the seven of us, we trusted them and let them do their thing. Therein laid our misstep for the night. Rule #1: always trust yourself instead. Note that one of our friends has peanut allergy and we informed this prior to the dishes being served.

Breakdown of what was served: 2 x Grilled Peppers, Pears & Proscuitto (aud12 each) = aud24 1 x Maple Bourbon Chicken Wings aud18

After 35 minutes, mains finally arrived. It was 9:45pm at this point.

2 x Brussel Sprouts aud18 = aud36 1 x Pumpkin = aud28 : contains peanut, friend told to avoid this 2 x Mac & Cheese $26 = aud52 1 x Beef Rump Cap aud50: Dish of the night 1 x Steak & Frites - Price N/A: estimated aud60 Dessert: 6 x Black Sin Cake $12 x 6 = $72 Estimated Total Bill $340

Essentially there were only two protein dishes for six. As our server cleared off our dishes, we asked if there were more food coming. When informed that desserts were next, we expressed our disappointment and requested our server to inform the chef that we were still hungry.

Desserts came out right after. Six serves of black sin cake with white chocolate and orange curd (aud12 each). It was bland and tasteless. They tried to make up for our disappointment by offering an additional serve of cake but we sent it back since the majority of us didn’t like the cake upon the first bite. We then asked for the bill and were stunned to see that the additional serve of cake was charged eventhough it had been sent back. This took a further 15 minutes to rectify. Rule #2: Always check the bill.

I rarely write an actual negative post but our experience last night definitely warrants it. This might be a place known for their whiskey and bacon but maybe consider elsewhere if you are after a proper...

I booked a birthday dinner for 13 people and really enjoyed the experience - except for a few snags which unfortunately made the night awkward.

When most guests had arrived, I began to order an entree, only to be told that for groups of 10+, a $65pp set menu was required. There was no mention of this when I booked (I even went through the online booking process again the next day to make sure I hadn’t missed anything), and while the staff was somewhat apologetic for that, they continued to insist that the set menu was the only option for us. I apologised to anyone I’d invited who hadn’t planned for that, and luckily my guests were very nice about it. I then asked the staff if I could confirm that they do split billing, and they said no worries, they absolutely do.

The food was fantastic with a great variety in the set menu. The staff were very personable, and one staff member in particular was extremely friendly and happy to join in on some banter. The drinks were great and the whiskey selection was top notch (with a lean towards American whiskey).

I had a few last minute cancellations, so at the beginning of the night I told the staff that it was likely closer to 10 people, and that ended up being 9. We were only charged for 9 people on the set menu, which I appreciated.

The last snag came at the end of the night. We had all ordered a variety of drinks throughout the night, and it was only at the end of the meal that our server said “When we said we could do split billing, we only meant we could split the bill evenly. We don’t do itemised billing”. This in itself isn’t uncommon and wouldn’t have been a problem, but the time to mention it would have been when I asked at the beginning of the night.

In the end, my fiancé footed the entire bill and everyone paid him back.

I really wish I could give this place five stars because the food, friendliness of the service, and atmosphere were all top quality. But we were put in multiple awkward positions which ultimately but a damper on what was otherwise an...

Tucked away in the heart of Perth lies a hidden gem - Varnish on Kings, an underground pub that exceeded our expectations in every way. From the moment we stepped inside, we were enveloped in a luxurious atmosphere, courtesy of the rich dark wood and plush leather seating.

The service was top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff who ensured our glasses were always full and our needs were met with a smile. The drinks menu offered a impressive selection, with something for every taste and preference.

But what truly sets Varnish on Kings apart is the live music, which added a vibrant energy to the already cozy atmosphere. We enjoyed every moment of our visit, whether it was catching up with friends or enjoying a romantic date.

And for whiskey lovers, a must-try experience is the whiskey tasting! We quite enjoyed sampling a selection of fine whiskeys, learning about their origins and nuances from the knowledgeable staff. It was a delightful addition to our evening.

If you're looking for a unique and memorable experience, look no further than Varnish on Kings. This underground pub is the perfect spot for a few drinks with friends or a pleasant date. We can't wait to return and experience it all again!

Highly recommended for:

Luxurious atmosphere Friendly and attentive service Great drinks selection Live music Whiskey tasting experience Perfect for dates or catch-ups...