Phillip Island RSL Sub Branch - Lone Pine Bistro — Restaurant in Victoria

Walked in venue with my partner (35 years), his two children, his parents (both in their 60s), and his sister who’s partner is a Navy Australian Veteran. I am 22 years old. This was intended to be a family outing to watch the AFL football game together for Father’s Day. Upon arrival, the staff member at the counter requested that all patrons over the age of 18 sign in. I explained that I only had my digital ID available on my phone. When I advised that I was 22 years of age, the staff member asked me, “Where are your parents?” Despite confirming that I was there with my partner and his family, she repeated the question on the basis that it was “policy” that anyone under 25 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We left the premises utterly disappointed and dismayed. Never have I been asked where my parents are in any venue since being over the age of 18 with a valid ID. My partner and I have an age gap and I was quite embarrassed and humiliated to be asked where my parents were in front of his children and parents at a family outing at 22 years old.

We returned to the venue at 9pm without the kids for my father in law to go to the pokies after reading their online policies and not finding anything about having to have a parent or guardian under the age of 25. The lady at the desk asked us to sign in to which I told her again I only have my digital ID. she asked how old I was and told me I need my physical ID as per their policies. I asked her to show me the policy and she said she cannot but will get her manager. She was extremely rude towards us both times we attended. The duty manager came out and explained that if I’m under 25 without a physical ID I cannot gamble to which I responded that I will not engage in any gambling just accompany my father in law who was. My partner then told him his staff at the front desk were extremely rude to us and the duty manager asked us to leave saying he won’t tolerate abuse to his staff. Calling her rude was apparently abuse and aggression and he said he was going to let us in until we called her rude. I told him she was rude to us both times and he was not there to witness it. He demanded we leave and the situation escalated. Everybody was arguing and members of the public were walking in spitting at us calling us junkies and telling us to leave. This escalated the situation more. The rest of the staff from in the venue including a shorter blonde one came out calling us names, telling us the police were coming, calling us junkies and further trying to stir the situation for a reaction. This was unnecessary as they did not know the reasons for the dispute and it was unprofessional for them to join the situation and try to further upset my father in law and partner. There were 5 younger guys behind us who were also turned away for not having their physical ID even though the lady at the front desk knew one personally that he was 18. The security at the front desk also witnessed the ordeal and agreed with us there is no reason digital ID is not a valid form of identification. This situation was handled unprofessionally. To be labelled as aggressive because we stood up for ourselves against a rude staff member is unfair. There are multiple reviews online who all state the staff at the front desk are rude. Calling the staff rude is not aggression or offensive it is simply true. Also we were told three different policies upon entry. We are embarrassed and disgusted. We regularly attend RSL venues and have never been turned away or asked “where are your parents” at any venue for that matter. Something needs to be done to improve this since I am now discovering I am not the only victim to the rude staff at this venue. A policy is fair enough but being told three different policies and being singled out asking where my parents are when with my 35 year old partner and his kids is utterly ridiculous and unacceptable. I will be escalating this...

After a brilliant first ever day on Phillip island enjoying the sights and sounds of the annual MotoGP, the only thing on the mind of myself and our travelling party was a nice cold schooner and hearty pub meal. We love an RSL, but our time at Phillip Island RSL left no choice but to share our experience so that other weary travellers don’t miss this local gem.

A harrowing debacle escaping the top paddock car park at the race track had left us shaken, and upon arrival, a full car park spelled warning signs that we might have to be patient to wet our whistles and fill our belly’s. To our delight we immediately slipped into the closest possible car spot to the sliding doors and lovely ladies checking in thirsty patrons.

Check in was smooth, and we were advised on entry that the bistro tables were double and triple booked. As long as there are schooners we said! But alas, Nathan advised there might be a table in the members bar. A quick radio check and we were escorted to possibly the best table in the house. Underneath the surrounds of war memorabilia and leather bound books, the first ale in the ‘Ward room’ may have been one of the best we’ve ever had.

With everyone in agreeance this was easily in our top 3 rsls ever, and quite possibly the best, we proceeded to order our mains. 45-60 minutes for food Jorge advised. A true gent, and as they say, under promise and over deliver. All 6 meals arrived together in no more than 30 minutes. For myself, a perfectly cooked porterhouse with a handsome portion of chimichurri on the side. Delicious!

Having ticked off all the boxes we came for and having inhaled 5 perfectly poured schooners, what else could I possibly add? A lot it would seem. Having waffled I will summarise the remaining tidbits in a series of dot points:

-Beautiful 10ft pool table, fresh felt with classic pockets. And free?! Wow, just collect the balls from the bar -Smoking area with an array of high and low seating. And sound from the TAB screens, a huge plus! -Senior meals, at a great price point. For the old man and his companions from his motocross days -An array of newspapers and local publications, to keep in loop with the local community -Great locals, who were more than willing to share their cigarettes when called upon -A 9pm Anzac call, for those that missed the 6pm. A great touch

We’ve still only been here for less than 3 hours and haven’t even had a flutter on the pokies yet! Amazing venue, the highlight of the day! Will add photos and post an update if I come across any other tidbits over the ensuing hours!...

The first evening I went here, I ordered a burger, which was mediocre at best. My husband enjoyed his dinner, though. There’s really zero Atmosphere ,It’s basically a cafeteria where you order at the window and then go sit at a booth or table. If you wanna drink, even just water, you have to go to the bar.

We went back a second night because it was the only place open. We walked in before closing, and there was one party ahead of us, three young men. They wanted to go into the casino, and the woman at the door requested their IDs. One of the guys did not have his ID on him, so she turned him away. But there was an argument of sorts between her and the boys. She was very rude and abrupt with them. After they went back and forth, she told the one with no ID that he could go to the restaurant if he wanted, but he was not allowed in the casino.

After the back-and-forth that went on for several minutes, we stepped up and were turned away. The nasty woman at the door told us the restaurant was closed.

I told her that if she hadn’t spent so much time with the boys missing identifications, we would’ve been in before the restaurant closed. It was the time she took arguing with them that made us late. She proceeded to yell at me and berate me over saying so. She continued to yell at me from the time we stepped up to the time we walked out the door, shouting at us as we left.

It was just a really nasty experience. I certainly would never go back again. They did a great job ruining my evening and scarring my vacation. Everyone else in Australia was so incredibly sweet and kind. This person should not be. In any type of...