Killingworth Hill Cafe & Whisky Bar — Restaurant in Victoria

Theres a reason this place has 1 star reviews, rude, rude, rude! After calling and making a booking we arrived to be greeted by the staff, they sat us at our table and went back to the bar, we sat and looked at the food menu but we didn't have a drinks menu, after waiting 15 minutes for a staff member to come back I went to the bar to kindly ask for a drinks menu, the lady advised me she would bring one over once she finished what she was doing, after waiting another 10 minutes we asked the gentleman behind the bar for a drinks menu and advised we asked for one 10 minutes ago. He bought one over and within 2 minutes the same lady came to ask if we wanted to order, we said we still needed a minute, the lady then abruptly said 'OK' and when I looked away my friend said she rolled her eyes at me and tilted her head... she then walked behind the bar stood there and stared directly at me for about 60 seconds. This was the most uncomfortable situation I have ever experienced at a bar/restaurant. There were 3 cars parked when we arrived which indicates they were not that busy that it shouldn't have taken us 25 minutes to even see the drinks menu, after the glare that I received from the staff member with dreadlocks we got up and left. This business lost a couple of hundred dollars due to incompetent and rude staff. I would not recommend Killingworth Hill Cafe based on the lack of hospitality we received.

However the Yea Country Club down the road welcomed us warmly and we spent our money on the same Whiskey for half the price.

EDIT; After posting my review on their Facebook page the waitress private messaged me accusing me of slandering her. She then went on to say that the only reason she was rude to me was because she was 'returning my snarly attitude' when asking her to wait a moment for us to look at the menu as we only just received it. She has then gone on to call me a very 'judgemental and rude lady' as I don't know her personally..

My review was based on mine and 3 other friends experience, and the experience we received was disgraceful but the experience after posting the review takes the cake - Killingworth Hill Cafe should be ashamed at this staff members actions and take it as an opportunity to re-train as there are many reviews that say their staff lack...

The food was good and the barn is interesting, however the customer service was very poor.

As a local, I have been looking forward to trying this place. It’s hours of operation have not matched my availability.

So, this summer I put it on my bucket list! I called to confirm availability because of the overnight changes to density limits. It was like negotiating armistice - everything was difficult - having kids come, the time I suggested (you’ll have to wait - we are busy - I think that’s why I called, duh?). I was even told off for not booking early so that the cook was prepared for the day! I was glad to hear that I wasn’t the only customer to receive terrible phone service when I listened to Garry give the same to a future booking as I was eating a yummy cake!

I arrived to a room with four other tables full? I was surprised after the hard work that I went through to book this very busy place. One owner was so flustered that she needed a cups and I was rushed to order or I’ll miss out on food - kitchen closes at 3pm.

The gin tasting was lovely however when I watched Garry explain how to taste gin to another table I was annoyed. Kate just put it on the table and said “ this is 1, 2, 3, 4). I learnt more eavesdropping than from my own $30 experience!!

When I returned to purchase a bottle of gin (I had gone to town and decided to return on the way back) I made the mistake of going to the toilet first. I was met at the toilet door by the owner who gave me an absolute mouthful and reminded me that it’s private property and there’s a toilet in town.

This did not stop me from trying to buy a bottle of gin. Unfortunately I left without one because Kate informed me that they don’t sell...

Felt hard done by. I arrive with my 2 children and had to wait for the rest of our party to arrive (car broke down an hour earlier). After my kids playing on a tree we were told that it was private property and for them to hop off. We did this straight away. This was fair and I was oblivious as to the wrong they were doing. It is a working farm and the kids can get themselves in trouble. We were told we could sit outside and that the kitchen is as closed. This suited us as we were keen to stock up. I was then asked how many (4 adults and 4 children) “Just outside then”. Kate returned inside.

The rest of our party arrived 10 mins later. While (3 adults and 2 children) were getting out of the car Kate informed us that they were now closed 4:10pm. Back in the car they got and I waited with my 2 children in the drive way. While waiting, another car arrived (4 adults). We let them know that they were now closed. Kate accepted these visitors warmly and were greeted inside.

I don’t usually do these kinds of posts as I usually give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I’m more disappointed in coming to the realisation that the reason where were denied service was because we had children. There are many signs at this venue and not one said no children.

For this to be resolved, this venue would benefit in advertising that they are an adult only...