Gold Mines Hotel — Restaurant in Victoria

If you call up and ask, can we please sit in a non-smoking area becuase we have twin infants, with the response of "we dont have a smoking area", you would think you wouldn't be put next to the supposedly nonexistent smoking area right? If you turn up to a resturant and wait first in line at the counter for over 7 minutes as 5 different staff walk by avoiding eye contact, you would think that you would then be taken to your table and served right? If you then had to move tables because of the aformentioned smoking mishap, they would set the new table up, instead of the patron having to move the cutlery, right? As staff watch and dont even react to a customer having to do this, like its normal? To then collecting the menus from the front of the venu because there is still no service in site. New mangement has made this an unpleasent experience for patrons and staff. They are over booking and under employing. It was clear how much stress the staff were under, how when they finally had time to serve me at the desk, they had to compose themselves because of how over worked they are. I have been to the gold mines hotel at least 5 or more times, however this experience is completely laughable. The new MANAGEMENT appears to have really stuffed up what was my favorite restaurant in Bendigo. EDIT: absolute lies in the response. Just goes to show how bad the new management is. I feel sorry for all employees who have to work under this liar. I put the cutlery box on the table we had to move to. On the phone your staff said you did not have a smoking area We waited long enough to know your staff were being over worked by your greedy over booking, that when they spoke to me at reception, they had to compose themselves before speaking I never yelled, however spoke of how bad the evening was so far and that managment has clearly lost touch. I never called over a waitress to my table, they eventually appeared after i was dicussing leaving with my fwllow patrons If you dont have room or capacity, dont offer. We would have gone somewhere...

I recently dined at the Gold Mines Hotel, and it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. The building itself is charming, with a beautiful blend of old-world decor and cozy ambiance. Old photographs of the area and paintings line the walls, while sections of the floor feature classic wood, making you feel like you're taking a step back in time. The atmosphere is warm and nostalgic, perfect for a relaxing meal.

I ordered the Gold Mine burger, which I'd rate 3/5. The burger was a bit dry due to the lack of sauce, but the smoky bacon jam really stood out. The 200g beef patty, cooked in a wood stove, was flavorful and juicy, although I would suggest asking the chef to cook it a bit longer if you prefer it less pink. The hand-sliced potato chips were spot on—crispy outside, soft inside, and perfectly seasoned. My partner had the breaded pork cutlet, which she absolutely loved. Portions were generous, and we ended up taking some food to go.

For starters, we enjoyed the lemon myrtle calamari with rocket salad, and the calamari was fresh and tender. I paired my meal with an espresso martini, which was excellent, although it was on the pricier side at $20-22.

What really stood out was the exceptional service. The staff were wonderful and very accommodating to dietary restrictions. Our waitress was especially nice, professional, and prompt with her service, making the whole experience even better.

Overall, the combination of great food, warm atmosphere, and attentive staff makes the Gold Mines Hotel a must-visit. I would definitely recommend it to family and friends, and I look forward to dining...

Not a good night. The place is lovely but the service is appalling..they can't seem to get orders for drinks or food correct.. The Pacific beer that is supposed to be clear was muddy and hazy (no, it is not a cloudy beer..we had it before). and it is REALLY really expensive to eat there .. Further, I find it incomprehensible that our meals arrived bit by bit, with the last person served an hour after the first meal delivered! Everyone else had finished and the plates had been cleared by then. It was only a hamburger so IMPOSSIBLE to justify such inadequate and incompetent service. That person sat eating by himself while we waited so we could have the birthday cake. So.. even though told it would cost $5 to get the cake cut..(we bought it with us) (and..normally a free service at any other restaurant because management happy to see customers happy.. so they go that extra mile). Here??? Expect to pay $5 PER PERSON for the privilege of having your birthday cake cut and served. All they do is light candles, cut the cake. So..in our case it would have been $65 just to be given plates, spoons and the cake cut for us. After we complained the manager did it for free. But the poor service, the manager arguing with us etc the whole night was ruined. Don't have a birthday party there if you have a birthday cake. Eat it in the park across the road instead. Do NOT...