Ross Bay Pub — Restaurant in Victoria

The importance of this review is focussed on Covid as it is the current determining factor of whether I will return or not. The pub was at 30% occupancy when I arrived so there were many seating options. I prefer to sit at the bar as I am a bartender myself and I want to support the others in my trade. There were a few patrons sitting spaced about 1m apart but there was an empty chair on the end, spaced with another empty seat from the next closest guest so I opted for that. About 10 mins after sitting and ordering I heard the bartender say "if he doesn't mind" and I turned to see another, older fellow standing a foot behind me who promptly sat in the seat beside me, now almost shoulder to shoulder. Although I kept my composure, I was FURIOUS. Aside from the many obvious negations of Covid protocol (no hand washing - especially after touching cash, no proper plexiglass dividers, zero masks anywhere), to have a person put me at risk without even asking me was too much. I am fully comfortable with going out in this pandemic and supporting local businesses, I myself rely on it, but to have another industry person straight-up ignore the last line of security (distancing), without my permission is unacceptable. If I wasn't so hungry I would have paid for my beer and walked out. Other than this experience which will most likely have me never to return I observed: Limited spirit selection for space available and standard beers on tap Food was very average, even for a neighborhood pub There was goat cheese or another spoiled chunk of cheese that was mixed into my poutine She did sanitise the POS debit terminals She was friendly and polite It was open on a holiday

I would not...

Quiet afternoon, my friend and I (both in our 60's) stepped in for a few...we played the pull tabs to the extent that we had a neat pile (about 20-30 tabs) on our table...as the server went by, towards the kitchen, we asked if she would mind taking these tabs along with her...her reply was, "take your own garbage to the bin !"...she walked past again and re-iterated "I'm not here to pick up after you"...we said nothing, we were too shocked...in our world, servers usually clean the table when they seem too full of debris...I decided then that the tip would reflect the service...the (second) bill arrived for $104 (after clearing a previous bill with another server for $85) and I decided to tip $0...server came back SCREAMING ! about no tip, and how she gave excellent service...took our 4 drinks (2 beers 2 tequilas) off the table and insisted we leave immediately (we did)...shocked...for reference, it was a funny looking broad that looks like she's had a ton of facial work done...duck lips, receding black, died hairline, tattoos etc...stay away if this woman is there... I know I won't be back (after 20 years) until this server is gone...hope this finds its way to the owner...will update if I hear back.

NOTE TO THE ABOVE, WAS CONTACTED BY THE MANAGER, AND THEY SEEMED PROFESSIONAL AND APOLOGETIC...WILL BE HAVING AN IN PERSON CHAT NEXT WEEK WITH THEM, I'M SURE IT WILL...

I have been to the Ross Bay Pub a few times during the pandemic, and contrary to Nadia's review from two weeks ago, this pub has handled cleanliness and safety protocols with the utmost professionalism. EVERYONE who comes in is requires to wear a mask, and staff is quick to remind people if they forget. Also always making sure people sign in to the booklet for contact tracing. The only time you are not supposed to wear a mask is if you are sitting at your table (drinking or eating). Maybe that is what you saw Nadia? Anytime anyone even tries to walk from their table to the washroom, without a mask, they are immediately reminded by staff to put their masks on. I would suggest that if you are that worried about the pandemic (as the Ross Bay Pub staff and the regulars are), maybe you should order and pick up your food. Or maybe even stay home. By looking at your other review, it appears you don't have much luck anywhere you go. Also I am going to add, their food and staff are consistently wonderful. ...