Portarlington Grand Hotel

This 3 star review is an average for many visits over the past year - some of which have been very good, but today was a real let-down and a reason to question a return visit. The menu is varied enough for everyone and the food is fresh and well presented, generous serves and good value. We have visited on major event dates (Mothers or Fathers Days) and always been well served and in quick order despite the numbers. However, occasionally the kitchen lets the experience down by slow delivery or inexplicable mix-ups in the order of dishes (eg a main course delivered early with an entree). Today was a sad reflection of what should be a great pub dining experience. The dining room was only half full when we arrived for the first sitting just after 12pm. Entrees took over 30 minutes to arrive. After our entree plates had been cleared, our very efficient and professional waiter Eddy kindly advised that there was a delay in delivering main dishes and we would have to wait 35 minutes. As we were on a short timeframe, we asked him to confirm that. He returned from the kitchen stating the delay might be 20 minutes as he had been told. After 25 minutes waiting, we inquired again - another 10 minutes at least as we were behind a larger table (just 2 of us). So we cancelled our order and left - hungry, disappointed and annoyed. If you have an issue with a new cook, then let diners know when they arrive so we can decide if we have time to wait. Free comp drinks don’t solve it.

Ate here tonight in the Atrium. Absolutely beautiful meal, service was 5 star and the place is great. Clean and full of atmosphere. Staff couldn’t do enough for you. Beautiful meal. Definitely recommend and we will be back. Lucky to be local. Great prices.

We had a Saturday night dinner in dining room. It’s was great to see the place busy on a winter night. We were booked for 8.30 and were disappointed to find that the famous Portarlington mussels were sold out. After finding an alternative we finished dinner and, looking for appears to sharing a dessert, asked if we could order. We were told the kitchen had closed so we were unable to order anything else. We had a very attentive server so we were a bit disappointed overall that we hadn’t been warned the kitchen was closing. We were staying in the accomodation at the hotel and, I’m not sure I’d eat at the pub next time…..