Tomakin Sports Club — Restaurant in Tomakin

TL; DR - had toddler with me, almost couldn't get served because I had a 'minor' at the bar. Paid for drink. Felt super upset and uncomfortable at staff attitude. Left after 15 minutes. Never coming back.

The full story:

I came here with my husband and 18 month old baby in the hopes of a quiet drink and dinner. I had been recommended the place by family, on the basis of it being a family friendly place.

Unfortunately my husband forgot his driver's licence, so had to drive home to get it (not a problem, we thought - I could grab a quiet drink with my toddler while we waited for him to come back).

I wait politely in the queue, holding my toddler. I am told by the next free bartender that he couldn't serve me because I had a minor with me (seriously - what am I doing? Getting my 18 month old sozzled on pink wine?). Second - slightly more sensible bartender - served me my order with the warning that "here in New South Wales minors are not allowed at the bar" but that she was doing me a favor by serving me a drink.

When I asked what I should do next time so as to comply with the rules, I was told essentially not to have my child with me or I wouldn't get served. That's obviously not going to happen when I'm by myself with a toddler. Any parent flying solo would feel the same. It amounted to discrimination because I was a 'single parent' - albeit for a duration of 15 minutes.

I've since checked the advice on the NSW govt website: the law the staff were referring to is to prevent under age drinking. How anyone could confuse an 18 month toddler with a kid trying their luck with the bar staff, is beyond me. The staff need better training. (Note - nowhere else in NSW seems to have such a blind attachment to this rule, they seem to embrace common sense as a temper).

I would have complained at the front desk but by that point I was in tears and desperate to get out of there. Nicely renovated place, but not an ounce of heart or care for getting their staff properly trained, nor for supporting or being friendly to...

Friday night was the third time this has happened, we had a booking, like other times, we lined up to be seated at 7pm only to be told there is a 1.5 hour wait for food, after hearing that almost the entire line left. They then roped off the line and said they are not taking anymore orders. This is the third time this has happened when we have had a booking. We have been members for the past few years but the treatment by staff had been horrific the last few times, not an ounce of friendliness except from the younger staff who are very apologetic. When we have been able to get meals from here they have been good but some not worth the price. This is a frequent issue on busy weekends that should be addressed adequately. If they took some of the poker machine earnings and spent it on chef wages they would be able to have a fully functioning restaurant without so many dramas. The money offered vs the hours is not worth it for almost any Chef to work in this place, also considering how busy it can be. I am writing on here as nothing seems to have happened with the issues amongst this place in the past year, we have mentioned this to reception many times and they have just shrugged their shoulders. Management should look into where funds are best spent especially on kitchen staff. We try to support our local establishments as much as possible but we simply cannot anymore as this is not a one off issue and even with bookings we are turned away.

If this happens to you, I suggest to drive to Raymond’s or Catalina Club as they most likely will be able to seat you with a reasonable wait...

The Tomakin Sport Club is a beautifully layout place for all ages of people to enjoy...

My time here was to catch up with loving family over a very yummy lunch with a great Easter raffle which the Club was giving away over 40 baskets of delicious chocolate Easter eggs for Easter...

The Tomakin Club has a great playground area for the children and can be easily supervised while seated in the club also on the club grounds are great lawn bowl greens and tennis courts that are available...

The staff on entry were extremely friendly and that didn't stop at the door it contained throughout the Club with the bar staff to the food service! in my eye, it was perfect in every way!

If you are down on the South Coast, give yourself and the family a great day out at the Tomakin Sport club you won't be disappointed...

Small tip: the entrance into the Club is on your left after accessing the driveway where you can find parking available.

To the owner of Tomakin Sport Club I thank you for a wonderful experience in your amazing establishments and the food was truthfully,...