The Orchard — Restaurant in Sydney

I’m writing this review with a heavy heart - mostly because I had already reached out and several weeks have passed with no response. I have come the orchard several times with my children and we always have a great time grabbing a coffee and some food from the main bakery place. So when it was advertised the “sold out” Christmas in July bottomless dinner event I was ecstatic as I an avid Christmas and bottomless drink lover. An event we pre paid almost $400 for two people for.

I was however severally disappointed from the moment we arrived. Firstly we were vaguely greeted on arrival and were advised to “find our own seating” with envelops placed on the tables with the name of the person who booked (empty envelops) to find our table being touched and cutlery moved around by children well under 3 even though in the FAQ’s for the event explaining it was an alcohol forward event and children may be considered under circumstances. We found our table with no instruction on how the bottomless drink side would go until we watched others walking up and soon found out we would need to attend the bar for every drink (another oversight - as every previous bottomless drink places do table services. This hindered time of drinks, quality and was a dampen to the overall experience. There was only one person overseeing the bar with a sold out event so wait times were increased. Each cocktail (three) that were part of the $50 additional cocktail package consisted of poorly made watered down premixed cocktails that were placed into a shaker and mixed up - all tasting rather watery and unpleasant. Upon asking for a creaming soda on tap (drink west) we were told it would be an additional $2 to purchase despite already paying a premium for the event.

Food came out with no announcement or notification with people just walking up (buffet style dinner) which meant many items including the cob loaves mention and cheese boards came out and ran out instantly leaving us unsatisfied.

During the event we had to ask one of the two waitress’s on (who were easily under 18 and clearly just wanted to stick together which is fine but this left customer service overall very low with satisfaction) to clear our table several times. It was also disappointing to overhear said waitresses complaining to the bar staff member with how quickly food was going which made it feel under planned for.

Live music playing and decorations left minimal desire of it being a Christmas in July event with no Christmas music being played and the centerpieces looking like scraps of left over Christmas decorations from a clearance.

Overall the whole event was incredibly disappointing and not up to any expectation. I had reached out the event immedianlty after and have had zero reply no apology or acknowledgement. We most likely won’t be returning as given the vast movement of restaurants in Penrith the options are endless and we will be taking business else where. I do not recommend anyone booking events including bottomless until management can take feedback on and improve which I hope they do as a place of...

We ate here today for our work Xmas party, a table of 11. When I first arrived I drove past the place as the signage is inadequate and unable to be seen from the road. Entering the grounds the atmosphere is nice, gardens maintained. Our table was situated at the end of the room near the window so we had lovely light coming in and it felt intimate and not squashed in. The menus were on printed card, some stained with oil or food spots from prior patrons. I would suggest laminating them to keep them clean We placed a drinks order and when they arrived, some people didn’t receive theirs and had to reorder. No big deal but noticeable. When we placed food orders we made no requests or changes to the meals. We did however ask for clarification on what came with the meals. We were told no sides were available, however they are available on the online menu. My friend and I ordered the steak frites. One medium and one medium rare. They mixed them up. No big deal, we swapped but good thing we both agreed to wait before starting to eat just in case. The steak came with shoestring fries which were cold and dry and under seasoned. However, the cooking of the steak was perfect and my medium rare was delicious. It just needed the chips to be hot and for $37, I expect some salad on the side. My friend next to me had a chicken salad with citrus dressing. Too salty and couldn’t taste any citrus in the dressing. She was unable to finish the meal. Another friend had a burger and fries. Burger was edible but not great and she left all her cold dry fries. Another friend had the salmon with salad. It was a small piece, the cook was good however it fell short with the uninspiring rocket salad and oddly she has given a half a lemon which was awkward to squeeze without getting it all over her hand. A wedge would be better. Other meals seemed to be ok. I tried some chicken schnitzel which was juicy and tasted nice but again under seasoned. Lastly, one of our party is vegan. The only option for him was a plate of Brussels sprouts (good thing he checked the menu online). He bought in his own vegan burger and ate it at the table. Having some actual vegan options on the menu would be a good idea. After lunch some of our plates were cleared. The rest were left there along with all the empty glasses. I attempted to get the attention of the wait staff on several occasions and ended up having to stand up and loudly say “excuse me” across the room then ask her to clear the plates. Only the plates were cleared. While the lunch was ok, it missed the mark on some things. I think people should still go there and try the place but for me and most of our party, we won’t be...

The whole experience was a total disaster - My daughter & I went on a rainy Wednesday morning after work at 10am, some schools had returned to school that day 31/1/24, so it wasn't busy to say the least! Firstly, we were completely confused as to what area coincided with a menu or table service? Secondly, I asked the waiter if we could sit at a particular table near the back of the seating area & was told "No, I couldn't use up a large table's, just in case a large group arrives" (Again not during peak hours or weekend & plenty of available table's) After walking off to an undercover area, which I found out wasn't a part of the table service area, we returned to negotiate a place to sit, I did let the waiter know that I could understand if it were busy but generally, if it's not busy, let the customer sit where they choose. Our order was taken & too many things came out wrong. I asked for drinks to come out with food - coffee came out straight away, luke warm - specifically asked for extra hot. Ordered x4 hash browns, only got two. It took over 45 - 50 minutes before our order came out. And to say that I was completely shocked at what was on our plates for $26.00 each is an understatement. I've never left any kind of review on any page whatsoever in all my time of being a customer - to completely top it off & compell me to, was the fact that x4 of the toilet cubicles in the ladies bathroom had no toilet paper!!!! I did go back to inform the staff of this because being caught in that type of situation is extremely unnecessary.

I am sorely disappointed & had an expectation that matched the price & beautiful scenery - Unfortunately not the case & I would not of wasted my money if I knew this was going to be our experience.

Here is their standard eggs benidict for $26.00 - without extras at $5:00 a piece! It was nothing like the pictures on the website or the instagram posts!! Poor service, overpriced, jumbled seating & layout - Unserviced amenities & overall disappointing on the day I had my experience.

The total amount was amended, and coffee & coke taken off the bill Also, the x2 hash browns that were not plated originally were put down onto the table afterwards - even though I did say firmly, don't worry about it now, thank you.

Customers are your bread & butter & I know there's so much room for improvement guys. All the best. I hope it picks up on your feedback & reviews.

The day before my 2 daughters went for lunch & everything was amazing - except for no toilet paper. Their reccomendation being the reason why we chose to...