Universal Sydney — Restaurant in Sydney

Security guards are disrespectful, rude and incompetent. Aggressive and escalate situations and judge you based on appearance.

Went with a group of friends and the biggest and most flamboyant guy with us went outside for a smoke and was refused re entry. When asked why they said due to intoxication and we all left. We later tried a different entry and they said the same thing so we left.

2 hours or so later after eating food (despite the fact he wasn’t intoxicated and we were just hungry), we tried to get in the venue again and the security guards said he was already kicked out and he can’t come in for 24 hours. I asked why he was refused entry and they would not say more than “intoxication”. I asked politely for an explanation and he told me to speak to the original seccy who refused him entry so I did. I asked him why and he said “intoxication”, I explained he is not intoxicated he is just Autistic and we went back and forth. Another security guard even had the audacity to say he wasn’t Autistic and tried to say that my friend said he wasn’t Autistic which is just such a bizarre thing to say because what??

He eventually said he was refused entry because he exited and entered the building too many times and apparently that shows he was intoxicated. Despite the fact that they saw him smoking OUTSIDE so he had a reason for being outside. When we explained that he then said his pupils were dilated so that’s why. Again tried to give him some disability awareness because neurological conditions cause dilated pupils and again he is Autistic. Despite this they were average size anyways.

I explained to the security guard that he and I both have our RSA and work in a bar so we understand intoxication and having to refuse entry but the refusal was not based in fact and he was actively discriminating against a queer presenting and Autistic person. I told him as per their RSA they have to consider if people are living with disabilities and not target people based on sexuality and presentation and despite that just de-escalate situations and because I asked nicely they should give us the reason for his refusal.

They then said the Manager of the venue decided not to let him in because he was intoxicated. After asking continuously for a reason so we could just understand they would just make up reasons with no continuity that were not based in fact. He then asked me what legislation it was all under and I told him the liquor act and got no response from him.

Despite his apparent “intoxication” the staff inside had no problem serving him drinks and did not cut him off. So herein lies the problem.

Power tripping, rude, escalating seccys who need better training and to be taught human decency and manners. Disability and sexuality training would be a start to stop discriminating against the people who belong to the community this place represents.

We just wanted a reason why because it was clear he was being discriminated against and they couldn’t even be brave enough to say something coherent and reasonable such as telling him the signs of “intoxication” he was showing. Because there were none.

Very disappointed and by looking at the reviews, the seccys are the problem here. Get people who protect and serve our community and keep it a safe and friendly...

I don’t usually write many reviews but I keep coming back to this sad memory from my travels when I was kicked out of this venue during world pride because I accidentally bumped into a security guard who thought I was drunk. Basically, I was making my way across a VERY crowded dance floor to get to the bathroom with a drink in my hand. I was so focused on getting to the bathroom, I didn’t even realize that I bumped into anyone. I noticed a person sort of post up in front of me, preventing me from passing. I looked down and realized they were speaking to me. They said, “you spilled your drink on me,” while pointing to their shoulder, which was wet. I said, “oh, excuse me, I’m just trying to get to the bathroom.” The person asked me if was intoxicated and then I realized it was a security guard. I said, “no, is this the way to the bathroom?” At this point, they should have let me pass but instead kept asking if I was drunk and pointing to their shoulder. After circling around this point a few times, I said frustratingly, “what’s happening here. I just need to use the bathroom. This is starting to feel targeted.” Mind you, I’m a Black, American woman. At this point, they called someone over to escort me out. This all escalated in less than two minutes! I walked away from the venue confused and disrespected. After a few minutes, I returned to talk to a manager. Not to get back into the club, but to understand the miscommunication. I explained that this is global city with different cultures and their could have been some room for the security guard to explain what was happening. The manager I spoke to was rude. Though they did, in fact, validate that I was not intoxicated, they lacked compassion and told me that Americans think they are better than others because I was taking up their time speaking to them. Huh? After they said that, I just walked away feeling demeaned and disgusted by this place. As a traveler, it really left a sour taste in my mouth. I did not feel welcomed nor safe. I wasn’t even in the club for 30 minutes! I understand that Australia has very strict laws about intoxication but this matter should have been handled better. Your staff could use training on how to distinguish between an accident and actual drunkenness. Also, maybe some...

New Shift in need of some Soul.

Since the change of ownership and redevelopment of the club there's been some great new additions and some not so great. Some of the theme nights and new entertainment schedule have been really good in reinvigorating the club, although I suspect their peak periods of trading between Friday to Sunday are sustaining the club, and compensating for it's increasingly morgue like atmosphere during the week. I think rigor mortise is beginning to set in and it's a shame as it used to be one of the venues central to the life of the community and the street rather than a tourist attraction.

The restaurant although probably a nice idea at the time is weirdly located and has an add on atmosphere, I've never really seen many people eating there which is a shame as they could have really done something like 'Claire's Kitchen' or 'Slide' which have integrated the space much better and made it into a true events space. In this case they haven't really successfully pulled it off, it just hangs there like a drunk at last call - ever present but you don't really want to engage with it. The menu however, is inventive and offers a broad range of options from smaller mezze like plates for people to share and snack to more substantial options and is reasonably priced.

The small outdoor area is really cramped and badly laid out, but they've obviously gone with the bones of what was there from before and there lies the problem.

On the plus side the bar staff are always courteous, helpful and friendly and the entertainment is well put together, fun and innovative. On the negative side, bouncing staff seem a bit over zealous (do you really need two bouncers on a Monday doing bag checks and following patrons when there are only 3 people having a drink after work). This has been one of the primary reasons we go to alternate venues like the Green Park, Columbian or Beauchamp where you can go and relax without the door front attitude on a quiet weeknight.

All I can say is something is missing (or in this case a few things need work). Atmosphere, attention to detail, some areas of service and a...