Shelbourne Hotel — Restaurant in Sydney

Disappointed and Frustrated: Unacceptable Bar Service at Shellbourne Hotel

I recently attended a work function at the Shellbourne Hotel in the heart of Sydney's CBD, hoping for a pleasant evening of relaxation. However, my experience was utterly ruined by one particular bartender who displayed a level of incompetence and arrogance that I have never encountered before. I feel compelled to share my frustrating encounter, as it reflects poorly on both the establishment and its staff.

From the moment I approached the bar, I requested a simple whiskey on the rocks. To my disbelief, this seemingly straightforward order was met with unwarranted resistance. The bartender, whose name I will not mention out of professional courtesy, insisted that I must have a mixer with my drink. This baffling demand directly contradicted not only the standard practice observed at other bars but also the responsible service of alcohol regulations.

As a responsible adult, I am well aware of my limits and expect to be treated accordingly. The arbitrary imposition of a mixer restriction felt like a petty exercise of power and an unnecessary intrusion into my personal preferences. Moreover, it was evident that no such policy existed, as other bartenders readily provided the drink I requested without any qualms.

It is utterly disappointing that a supposedly reputable establishment like the Shellbourne Hotel allows such unprofessional behavior from its staff. As a customer, I should not be subjected to the whims of an overbearing bartender who disregards common sense and the principles of customer service. This incident has left me deeply frustrated and disillusioned.

I implore the management of the Shellbourne Hotel to address this issue promptly and ensure that their staff adheres to consistent service standards. Patrons deserve to be treated with respect and courtesy, and it is vital that the hotel upholds these principles. Until such improvements are made, I regretfully cannot recommend the Shellbourne Hotel to others, as my experience was marred by this...

I've attended this venue on multiple occasions but, unfortunately, my most recent visit resulted in treatment which I personally consider as discriminatory.

I suffer from a chronic neuropathic pain condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome due to a botched surgery which resulted in nerve damage. A major trigger for my condition is sitting on the majority of the chairs.

Whilst eating a work lunch at this venue on 15/10/2020 between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM at a raised table, I stood to eat whilst my work colleagues sat on raised chairs. I was not moving around and remained at the table for the duration of the meal.

Unfortunately, I was approached by a male member of staff and told that, due to COVID-19 restrictions, I had to sit otherwise I'd be forced to leave the venue. I explained that I suffered from a medical condition which made sitting painful and explained that I wasn't moving around. I was dismissed by the staff member who appeared not to believe me. One of my work colleagues then attempted to explain that I was actually telling the truth and did suffer from a medical condition which resulted in pain when sitting. Unfortunately, this had no effect and I was told to sit or leave. I briefly sat which resulted in increased pain before my colleagues, appalled by my treatment at the hand of staff member, announced we'd be leaving in a show of support for me.

I felt that the male staff member was rude, hostile, dismissive and, overall, felt I was lying about my medical condition. Indeed, I felt bullied by the experience and felt the behaviour of the staff member discriminated against me for having a chronic illness. Indeed, the experience has left me shaken, upset and scared to attend other public venues for fear of experiencing similar negative experiences.

I intend to take further action against this venue and will be exploring with my legal representation whether I was illegally discriminated against in addition to the avenues of recourse available to me against this venue in light of the...

Last evening I was at this place, I was with a mate and placed an order for two beers. We told the lady that we would be joined by two people and she gave us a table in the outside area. She pulled out two additional chairs and said you all can accommodate. In the meantime the Bar attendant came in (pale guy with spectacles) and said why did you pull two additional chairs his tone was quite rough but I still ignored. We explained him that it was the lady who did that and not us. He then suggested we should move inside. His talking pace was too fast and was not clear to understand, While I was still standing I took the first sip from my Glass this was my first drink and he suddenly started Yelling at me saying that he just told me not to drink while standing. I still remained calm and said I am sorry I may have missed your instructions but would not do it again but this Man did not stop there and kept on yelling..to my surprise he used some not so great F words. In all this while I remained calm but that person was on top of his voice. I was quiet upset and really kept great control over my patience. I had a very upset evening because of him and the entire purpose of visiting the place was defeated, I would suggest this man should have some patience and also work a little on his language or talking pace. ABOVE all never use inappropriate words with anyone. Anyways the drinks were nice may be he just ended up...