Published:
July 20, 2024
About Royal Oak Hotel
Classic pub grub served in a big, casual venue with TV sports and TAB facilities.
Dine in
Takeout
Delivery
Service Options
Highlights
Sports
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Food
Food at bar
Hard liquor
Wine
Amenities
Restroom
Crowd
Groups
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Dining_options
Seating
Atmosphere
Casual
Planning
Accepts reservations
Parking
Free parking lot
Map
Royal Oak Hotel Reviews
Worst pokies I've ever played. $40 in one machine and not a single cent back. $30 in another and 20 cents back. Never again, don't get robbed.
- karen shillinglaw
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
Went Royal Oak Tuesday night for dinner in public bar. We waited 10 mins to get served as girl was writing a note. She then said we maybe too late for a meal. She made us wait ten minutes. Kitchen was still open so I ordered a chicken brioche and chips. It came out a black brioche and chips that looked like Woolworths homebrand crinkle cut chips. The chicken and chips were fried in a dirty fryer that's oil needed changing. Chicken dry and burnt and chips that were so fried no potato left. There was no mention of a black brioche. I took my meal back and the chef asked what can I cook for you. I said schnitzel and veg. He said sure love. Five mins later the older bar women handed me my money back saying kitchen closed. When I said that wasn't good enough she told me bad luck. Used to be a ok bar meal and staff used to be good but now awful food and service.
- Ineke Walker
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
Went in to play machine for 1st time, cant complain left equal, will go again perhaps check out food as well. Seems a nice place 🙂
- Brendan Van Wichen
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
Took my partner here for valentines day so she could order the "gluten free" calamari and chips. She's celiac and it's rare to find certain treats like this.
We arrived and made our orders. I ordered a Chicken Parma with chips and salad, she ordered the calamari with chips. It wasnt until after we paid that we were then told that the chips weren't gluten free and so she had to order potatoes with it instead. Bit disappointing since the meal cost $25
We sat down and within the time I went to the bar to order our drinks and filled them up our meals were ready (6-7 minutes?)
Now upon our meals being given to us, we were then told that the aioli for the calamari was not gluten free. So neither the chips or aioli were edible for a place that said "gluten free calamari and chips" both on their menu and website.
Now for the food, my parma was dry and tasteless, in which I could only finish half of it without feeling ill and the chips were dry and undercooked. Then to our surprise, despite all the setbacks we had with the gluten-free meal, my partner began having an allergic reaction from the calamari. I'd like to note here that if you cook gluten free foods in the same oil you cook non-gluten free foods, guess what it becomes? Cross contaminated.
We decided then that we would go up and complain about this disappointing experience.
The girl at the desk was quite nice but had to get the manager to put through our request.
Now this is the part I was most agitated about.
The manager seemed nothing but annoyed about this complaint. There was no sincerity in her responses. We told her the calamari was not gluten free and in response she avoided blame and went up to the chef and asked if it was which then he replied "yes its gluten free" despite the allergic reaction. We told her the errors on the menu and website and she had no interest in fixing the issues, just wanted us out of the restaurant. She gave us our money back. Upon that I then told her the chicken tasted like it was microwaved because of how dry it was and asked her how it was cooked, she then asked the chef and he said it was cooked fresh which I simply cant believe due to our meals coming out so quickly after ordering.
All in all this place cant take any criticism about their mistakes and blatantly lie when confronted about them.
We went out for a nice valentines day meal and were both left with a sour experience and sick feelings in our stomachs from such terrible food. Will not be returning.
- Nicholas_1974
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
This place is an absolute dive. Quite incredible to believe it’s actually still open for business. Won’t be surprised if they bulldoze the entire site and turn it into an apartment building development soon.
- Rainer De Temple
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
They turned it into a 100% pokies venue. I was excited to hear they were doing renovations thinking they'll finally make use of all that space. Instead they got rid of the restaurant to make room for the pokies and the "sports bar" area is now twice as small. No atmosphere no bar and nowhere to just go for a quiet pub drink or meal. Avoid at all costs.
- Andrew Segal
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
The service was ok. The rest of our table received their meals however my gf had to wait for her food. When she asked about it, they said that it takes longer for the kiev to cook. however it was sitting on the pass and the staff just kept walking past it. the food was ok for a bistro. all in all a good night was had.
- Shane Costa
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
The food was over priced and underwhelming. Paid for 2 $30 fisherman's plates and got mostly chips. If id bought it at my fish n chip shop id have paid 12 bucks at most and got better quality. The only desert option was icecream with topping even though the menu had other options. This place is all about pokies and TAB and it shows... id say if your after a meal and somewhere that has atmosphere other than depressing gambling hotspot... id go elsewhere
- Jane Roger
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
Terrible phone service, very snappy & ended up hanging up on me when I was still talking and trying to arrange a table. Was very excited to try the new renovations, but unfortunately wasn’t given the chance.
- Robin Virant
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
Taken over by poker machines. Menu limited to microwave style snacks. But it was mid week lunch. A bit disappointed as this was a great pub for lunch.
- Nicole KOSTIUK
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
So sad that the bistro has been permanently closed. My parents live around the corner and would walk to go to dinner every week. They were excited about the renovations and are now devastated it is only a sports bar and their local restaurant is gone. Stupid idea by the owners. Just for money making and encouraging the filthy, life ruining habit of gambling. A disgrace. Shame on you Royal Oak.
- Tim Campbell
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
So much money spent to accommodate as many pokies machines, in two rooms. Yet the carpark reminiscent of the early 80s ( when pub had glass table top games), car park in need of urgent attention, want to visit park elsewhere...
- Teresa Tate
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
So Courtney is way too busy on her phone to actually serve a customer!!!! And when I said hi can I get a drink...she was actually annoyed!!!This Hotel is missing the mark in so many areas! It is a PRIME location and if they had staff that actually wanted to be there they might do better. Seriously...sack the people who think they are better than customers!!!!
- Peter Farr
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
Not really as kid friendly as once was. Staff are fantastic. Many theme nights which offer great value. Meals have never disappointed.
Sports bar very homely and offers every sport you could imagine.
- Chris Grealy
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
Lots of off street parking. Pub food in a very cozy, clean bistro. Popular gaming venue. Menu choices were varied, seniors meals were a bargain, starting at $12 for a single course up to $15 for 3, including a $2 gaming voucher. Relaxing evening meal, will visit again.
- Garnyx Design
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
James and Adam are the best assets of the Royal Oak.. And now Royal Oak has lost part of their asset - James - regular patrons choose Royal Oak not for the food or because they have a fair chance of winning, or even the unattractive decor and stingy hospitality . they are drawn to the venue for the atmosphere and friendship .. And it takes a great manager to create those... Now that you have lost James the venue is not worth visiting .. We've lost a great family member and it's no longer happy times at the Royal Oak .
What a shame.. Looks like the owners at Royal Oak have no idea how to protect their business... James was such an asset and no longer there...
- Gek`co-Chev` (Gekco-Chev)
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
I had a very good time whilst quietly in their outdoor smoking area with a couple of ice cold pints whilst watching that television set-up that they're got for their patrons to keep an eye on the various racing available at the time.
I really think it's a great idea and I'll be back for sure.....
- A. Caloch
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
I go there sometimes for a beer or a glass of wine. Not a big selection of those but apart from that the place is quiet. I usually go early arvo, just full of pensioners blowing their money on pokies.
I like to sit outside, around that time not many people (usually only some smokers that come and go). There's a covered area with sometimes heaters on so it's not bad at all in winter too.
Plenty of parking.
- Zoran Duspara
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
I didn't like the place, there was no atmosphere and the food was ordinary
- John Robertson
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
Great venue to go for a slap on the pokies late at night. Open til 5.30am for your pleasure
- Fiona
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
Great place to hang out with friends with decent priced drinks and food. Staff are always friendly and helpful too :)
- M Sands
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
Great place but I miss the dining/bistro experience.
- brett jacobsen
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
Good quick meal in the bar, quick service good food lots of parking. I'll go back again soon with the kid's. I haven't been here for 30 years and apart from the poker machines and the new decor same ol pub, loved it.
- Christian Hartwig
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
Good old school bistro.
Decor is a bit dark and the mens restroom is scary.
Great food variety on menu. Not one of those repeating ALH menu joints "graziers beef"
- Celeste Kelly Brandon
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
For the time we went there at 130am from hospital for a cheer up it was great. Quite but friendly and security was helpful and made us 2 lattes each with real milk. That was a treat. We stayed till close and also won so added bonus. All in all we will go to the Royal again. The Refurb is happening in March now due to building delays we were told.
So my main 5 stars are for supplying a great atmosphere and secure environment. With a welcoming intro...♤♡◇♧
- shane howorth
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
Excellent place to relax. And have fun at pokies
- Troy Sanders
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
Came in here for a few quiet beers with a mate and it didn't disappoint. Nothing really special about this place though and if they could somehow make it so you didn't have to hear the God awful pokies while in the bar, that'd be an awesome upgrade.
- Tim Cage
20 Sat 2024 at 11.08 am
Came here recently as I was driving past, but I will definitely will return. Nice and clean venue, and the service is exceptional. Thank you Courtney, Di and Bek for the great service!
- John Mcleish