Federal Palace Hotel — Restaurant in Richmond

A very unwelcoming place to visit. I was staying in the town of Richmond and decided on this venue after it being recommended by the motel operator I was staying with. I walked in at about 5.50pm on Friday night.

One patron was sitting at the bar with his drink. I was asked what I wanted to drink, by the young lady behind the bar.

I started placing my order and then the lady getting my drink started talking to the female writing on the whiteboard.

Then the woman ( writing on the whiteboard) quite arrogantly informs me that they are closed.

I was truly shocked I have never been kicked out of a pub in my life. I got back in my car at 5.57pm.

I have visited and dined in many Pubs across Australia and New Zealand, this was by far the worst experience I have had in any. Our Australian outback pubs are renowned as the most friendly in the world, this Pub unfortunately fails to meet any of these standards.

It was not until the next morning that I was telling the motel operator what had happened, then she explained they don't open until 6pm. But to kick me out was very disappointing.

The Motel operator was shocked. I can not recommend this Pub. I did see a sign saying dinner on Friday started at 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Really when you think about it all they had to say was they didn't open until 6pm to serve drinks. I would have understood.

But they still served a guy sitting at the bar. Not sure if they did not need the patronage or just discrimination or they only want men in there...

Not a very nice hotel. Unhelpful staff and very unwelcoming. Went into to enquire about their prices and services but certainly won't be going back. Luckily they have a much nicer bar just 100 metres up the road from them, with nice, helpful and welcoming staff. So that is where we spent the night and our money. Don't waste your time on the Federal Palace and just go straight to the Mud Hut hotel just up the road. Not sure how the Federal stays...

Great layout for the bar, old as expected, but has character. Was stranded in town due to flooding, and now I know where to stop to drink and eat when travelling through. The meals were a very good size and the price was as well. The cook knows his stuff. Cooked to perfection and well presented. The barmaids are very pleasant girls as well. Highly...