Royal Hotel Darlington — Restaurant in Sydney

Our organisation (a nationwide music fanclub with a reach of over 1000) hosted our quarterly member city catch-up over the weekend at this venue. This involved a casual meal and drink meeting over a video screening that we provided the equipment for. It was a daytime activity in the bright and airy upstairs function room, and pre-booked with their events manager for over a month. ||||On arrival, we were greeted with blank looks from the staff who appeared uninformed of the function which was to take place between 2-6pm.||||The attitude of the staff on realising that it was actually a double-booking overlapping with another event starting at 5pm was to treat our organiser with what was overtly aggressive and rude behaviour, refusing to acknowledge their mistake (even on showing the email event confirmation). Instead, the weekend duty manager called their events manager who only works Monday to Friday an "idiot".|| ||Staff openly made poor comments about the event loudly in regards to our attendance in the downstairs bar in front of guests, and when the other party showed up at 5pm as we were winding up our event early, it was clear that they had blamed us for the room not being available and clean as I'm sure they had expected. This other party also carried on the attitude towards us and were clearly informed to blame us. ||||Our event cleared out prior to the booking time at 5.15pm, but despite this, no indication was given that they were appreciative of our efforts to finish early.||Given the outward rudeness and clear communication issues of their own hotel, I could not recommend the venue.||||Our organisation will not be returning, and will be making the same complaint directly...

Our organisation (a nationwide music fanclub with a reach of over 1000) hosted our quarterly member city catch-up over the weekend at this venue. This involved a casual meal and drink meeting over a video screening that we provided the equipment for. It was a daytime activity in the bright and airy upstairs function room, and pre-booked with their events manager for over a month. ||||On arrival, we were greeted with blank looks from the staff who appeared uninformed of the function which was to take place between 2-6pm.||||The attitude of the staff on realising that it was actually a double-booking overlapping with another event starting at 5pm was to treat our organiser with what was overtly aggressive and rude behaviour, refusing to acknowledge their mistake (even on showing the email event confirmation). Instead, the weekend duty manager called their events manager who only works Monday to Friday an "idiot".|| ||Staff openly made poor comments about the event loudly in regards to our attendance in the downstairs bar in front of guests, and when the other party showed up at 5pm as we were winding up our event early, it was clear that they had blamed us for the room not being available and clean as I'm sure they had expected. This other party also carried on the attitude towards us and were clearly informed to blame us. ||||Our event cleared out prior to the booking time at 5.15pm, but despite this, no indication was given that they were appreciative of our efforts to finish early.||Given the outward rudeness and clear communication issues of their own hotel, I could not recommend the venue.||||Our organisation will not be returning, and will be making the same complaint directly...

First and foremost, thank you to the owners for making the necessary changes to get in a fantastc, innovative and proficient manager 'James' to implement higher standards across the board.

I am a local resident of five years and used to frequent this establishment at least twice a week for meals, business meetings and social gatherings. Unfortunately a few years ago the standards had dropped, food was of poor quality so we didn't come back for a while.

To my surprise, I called in last week and ordered what I always do, medium rare steak, chips & salad with mushroom sauce. It was outstanding five star quality cut of meat cooked to perfection, accompanied by fresh sides.

Today I thought to try my luck again. Im glad I did. I was warmly greeted by Rima at the bar who provided impressive guest services. She was genuinely friendly, kind and generous. Rima offed me a complimentary softdrink because I was gaming... Unheard of in Sydney!

Then as I approached the kitchen, im welcomed back by 'Rambo' the head chef who has been here since I can remember. But to recognise a guest after being away over a year, this is exemplary Customer Services. I applaud you and your team for producing such high quality dishes.

Ultimately the change in Management is evident with discrete sinage on the walls and table dispense holders kindly advising patrons that this is the 'dining' area, clearly for those who have ordered a meal. Very nice touch and attention to detail.

Job well done team, keep up the great work. See you...