Avoca Hotel - CLARENCE GARDENS

Its probably unfair to label a place on one return visit (of many) but on Wednesday evening the place had a few customers (about one third of capacity) but the staff seemed rushed and the bar was not constantly manned. A queue of people waiting for a drink at an empty bar is not a good look or good service.The bar meals were ok, the Wednesday night special of a Chicken Burger is a good deal for $12, but the pizza seemed overpriced.I noticed the big screen regularly displayed a beer offer that on enquiry was no longer valid "we haven't stocked that for over two months' but I was offered an alternative at the same price.Enquiries about arrangements for the forthcoming footy grand final were met with a lack of information or knowledge.Like my old school reports used to say, 'could do better'.

It was one of our favourite places to go , 8 of us went yesterday , the 8 have been on many occasions, the service yesterday was terrible . I confirmed the booking for 8 but arrived to a table for 7 , I pointed out that I did not think the lounge for 3 to sit on was suitable , on trying it we were sitting way to low to comfortably eat at . I went to ask could they put 2 small tables together, that was met with a definite scowl . Next minute she is banging chairs and tables not very happy , I went and said if it is too much trouble we will go elsewhere. The service all round was not anywhere near the standard we have had previously . I meals took 50 minutes to come , they did not admit we had been forgotten but we are all sure a few tables had ordered after . us . The food was terrific , the fillet steak was amazing , the linguine was really enjoyed . The only small complaint was the Asian share plate , can not remember what it was called .

Come here for my partner birthday surprise lunch. It was a nice experience. the staff was excellent. They understand the trouble that we could cause with 3 kids between 12 and 3. Food was fantastic. The atmosphere was nice. Btw we chose the pub side as the kids could be more freely roaming around.

We were a table of 19, celebrating two birthdays on a Wednesday night. We waited sooo long. I understand that there may be a wait for such a large group, but we had prebooked. Also, as they were finally bringing out our mains, they were also bringing the main course to another table at the same time. Very few of us were happy with our meals, some lukewarm, some overcooked, salads missing. One person received an overcooked eye fillet steak which was supposed to be medium rare. She had also asked for broccoli instead of spinach on this $37 dish. It arrived without the veg but when she asked for it, she was presented with a side dish of greens which she was charged $8 for. Another person had the trio of fish but said the flathead was definitely not flathead and was disgusting. Even a 10 year old remarked that her spaghetti bolognaise was below average. The person who had nachos swore that everything came out of a jar, and he could even recognise the brands.. I could go on, toilet malfunction etc, but all I can say is that most of us would never be back, even though the surroundings were lovely in the glasshouse room.

Visited the hotel last night for a girls night catch-up. Service & food was great and servings were generous. Our meals were a bit slow in coming but were very tasty and enjoyable even if some us got barely warm dishes and cold vegies. Great fires burning in a couple of spots so the whole atmosphere felt very welcoming and warm.