Springwood Sports Club — Restaurant in Sydney

One star because zero isn't possible. Pressure of business during Covid/post Covid had been such that we decided to have a day out and a meal at the Springwood Sports Club. The young man serving on the bar was pleasant and polite but a too-small garment on a large person doesn't present a neat appearance. Neither does shirt tails hanging out. When I went to the counter to order our meals, the lady at the till decided this was the moment to apply lip balm. This sort of titivating has no place in customer space. In the ladies' room or out the back, please. Or even just excuse yourself and duck down behind the counter. Not in front of customers and not in customers' time. My husband had the petite fish and chips and I chose the petite cheeseburger and chips. Both the fish and the burger tasted very good, although the burger came on a thick and very ordinary untoasted 'supermarket' bread bun with nothing holding it together and it was a bit too big to be described as 'petite'. The chips with both meals were decidedly underdone, not only in appearance but also taste. About two hours after eating the burger, I began experiencing stomach cramps and three episodes of diarrhoea within 40 minutes before leaving the Club. That continued for 24 hours. Since my husband was unaffected and we have eaten the same meals prior to the meal at the Club, I can only think it is something to do with the non-petite Gathers cheeseburger. Staff seemed averse to the usual 'neatening up' that takes place in well-run clubs and hotels, or at least they were averse to neatening up in the poker machine room (non-smoking area); ring-mark stains from glasses and beer bottles were left for at least three hours that we observed, as were crumpled used serviettes, coffee cups, empty bottles/glasses etc. - somewhat of a health hazard in the midst of the Covid pandemic - even though we observed staff dashing through this area many times. When my husband wanted to take out his winnings from a poker machine and was unsure as to how it was done, we had to ring twice for an attendant (who didn't arrive) and we instead managed to get hold of a young lady who was serving a drink in the poker machine room and who was able to help. I noticed that in the ladies' room attached to the poker machine area, that the basket of used hand towels had been emptied, but the empty basket left out from under the wash basin bench. There were a number of older ladies there and this could have presented a trip hazard. Our visit was on April 28; I sent the Springwood Sports Club an email detailing all of the above on April 29; today is May 7 and we still have not had the courtesy of a reply. We are also members, and the Club management evidently couldn't even be bothered to look up our phone number and ring us, although bad reviews here and elsewhere in cyberspace seem to get a prompt reaction. Club management needs to visit the Blue Mountain Hotel at Lawson and see how GOOD food is prepared and served, and how good staff dress,...

My review here is in hopes that SSC can make small improvements to go from good to great. Unfortunately I can't give 5 stars, as there are areas where they can improve. I am a local looking to come here regularly, but some areas need to change. Please read below.

The food is pretty good, and the service is where it should be. As a lover of craft beer, I am happy there are some mountain culture options on tap. The food has ways to improve but is on the right track.

For examples - The parma - chicken is well crumbed and cooked, but there is a serious lack of cheese. The ham curls up on itself and only covers 50% of the meat. They also need to offer the option for a garden salad as the side. The coleslaw is fine, but the creaminess in conjunction with the fattiness from the meat can be a bit much. A salad + dressing would complement the food. Give people this option. I recommend heading closer to sydney to see how the popular pubs do this!

Beef burgers - I appreciate that you offer a 'big' burger, but areas to improve. Often slightly overcooked beef. Jump around and check out the good burger joints that do smashed patties. Easy to make and tastes better then thick, overcooked patties (its not even close). The rest of the burger is good, but for god sake crisp up the bacon. Last time I got this the bacon was undercooked and tasted funky (how does this happen?!).

I visited SSC last night, as they were holding a beer month event, where a brewery would visit to share their unique beers. Well to our surprise no one showed up, and the beer 'event' was non-existent. I don't know if this was the breweries fault or SSC, but the staff in the club had no idea what was happening. I felt slightly cheated for showing up to an event that didn't go ahead. If you are management in this situation - should you make an announcement as to the status of this beer night? We sat waiting for something to happen, but were left in the dark. Not good enough.

I sound really picky here, but I'm not. Just giving small tips to make improvements so that I can make this my...

We are Blue Mountains locals and like to support local, however we find Springwood Sports Club very disappointing each time we have been there. It's a lovely club, great facilities. Hubby and I went there tonight for dinner. The lady on the front desk was wonderful, the girls behind the bar also good. The staff in the Gather bistro need improving dramatically. I could see the kitchen from where I was sitting and plates of food were being placed on the counter under the warmer lights, food sat there for a considerable long time, there were 5 staff/waitresses standing around talking & didn't bring the food over to the tables, which seemed like forever, I was tempted to go and get the food myself, hence why our meal was stone cold, we asked for our garlic bread to come out first, but it sat there for so long that our mains came out at the same time. I am in the service industry where I am scrutinised everyday, I understand how tough the public can be but your management really needs to look at the Gather bistro staff and the terrible food and service that is being produced, you are loosing customers at a rapid rate and I was absolutely appalled with the experience and service of your club. I am wondering if the board are aware of the poor service and food that customers are putting up with. Something needs to change dramatically and quickly for this...