The Royal Oak - PORT FAIRY

This pub has been refurbished but still retains its country charm. Beer was cold. Service was friendly and fast. In fact the whole town of port fairy is friendly and courteous. I want to live here! Open fire is super. Loved the gift wrapped toilets!?!

We ate here during the Port Fairy Folk Festival, so to give the Royal Oak the benefit of the doubt, it may not have been their usual fair. For the festival they basically had a burger menu - which superficially looked good. We all ordered different burgers and a large tray of chips. Four out of five of us found the burgers basically inedible, one person ate his with gusto. We were not a group of epicurians looking for fine dining, we just wanted a decent burger. However, floppy, lifeless buns with undercooked [pink] beef

No meals are available at this hotel despite their "bistro" sign out the front. We were also directed to "the star", which has a varied menu. It was a little pricey for us.

I had read reviews that the Bistro in this hotel was worth a visit. Well ... the first impression was of a shabby front bar with three people (not looking that happy) having a drink. The barman offered us a drink but wasn't very friendly. Then we were told that the Bistro was shut (Easter long weekend!) and we could go across the road to the Star ... which we did and will never go back!

We were warmly welcomed as soon as we popped into the door. Locals helped us choose a beer and engaged us in a lively converation on a game show that was showing on TV! They also gave us lots of suggestions on where to visit in the area.