Hunters Quarter — Restaurant in Pokolbin

Very disappointing. Very rarely do I complain in a restaurant (and much less online!) but unfortunately I had to complain to the staff here on two fronts:l and inform that that I'd be leaving a review like this:

1. they have a pub menu which wasn't offered to us despite turning up at midday with several children in our party. Other customers were offered this menu which arrived after we had ordered. Explanation was that others had arrived on a bus tour. Seems strange reason but perhaps acceptable for others ? To me it just smacked off a rip off.
2. 2 of us ordered steak. We were charged $40 for a below average steak which was served with a tiny side of potato and some mushrooms. The steak would have been adequate if served in a $10 lunch menu in a pub but not in a restaurant that claims to be of a good standard. There seems to be a slow cooked beef which had run out from the kitchen - if something runs out I humbly suggest not making up a new dish with inferior quality products and charging the same price.

More disappointing than either of the two issues above is that when I raised the above concerns which were brought to a supervisor and chef/owner there was no acknowledgement / reduction in price for what was clearly a disappointing experience.

Have eaten in many places in the hunter which are worthwhile visiting - cafe Enzo, muse kitchen and several others which have consistently delivered time and again. HQ is not in their league, but charges more and...

Appalling customer relations. Came on a Monday night at 7:40pm, only 6 cars in the carpark, nothing to suggest they were busy. Once inside, it was clear they were busy. After waiting to squeeze past 6 waiters serving one table, I waited at the bar and was ignored by all the dozen waiters that rushed past me, despite my eye contact and smile at each one. After 5 minutes the kitchen staff acknowledged me thru the window, but still nobody came in the next 5 minutes. As I left, I made eye contact with the wait staff on my way, and nobody smiled back or wondered why I was leaving. Back at the car, I called the restaurant phone number which didn't get answered the first time. Finally someone answered and was able to explain there was a corporate function on that evening. Suggestions for improvement: if your staff see someone walk in the front door, please acknowledge them and offer to help. If busy, tell the customer you'll be with them shortly. If you are fully booked for a corporate event, place a sign at the front door advising of such. Yes I attempted to call before driving out there, but it turns out Optus don't get signal in Cessnock. Enjoyed a lovely dinner at Oishii...

"Escape lunch" with ten great friends. By way of context, as a group, we are grateful that we have enjoyed some of the best dining from all over the world. We were a little apprehensive booking a covid and school break period holiday.

We had a wonderful experience. Welcome, service, food and setting were outstanding.

We were warmly welcomed by one of the owners and quickly run through the covid rules and sat at our balcony table overlooking the small lake and vineyards. The height of winter; we had a warm sunny day with some rolling clouds. Tee shirt weather.

The short, and entirely appropriate, menu was welcomed by all for its offerings with something for everyone. For me, the scallop appetiser was delicious as was the wagyu beef. Cheese plate to round out lunch was beautiful.

Our group was then welcomed to sit out the afternoon until sunset with some great wines watching the kangaroos jump into the back vineyard paddock.

A truly memorable experience from a group that has visited many of the best Hunter Valley haunts for more than 30 years.

I highly recommend Hunter's Quarter based on this experience.

Thank you Hunter's...