Rifle Brigade Hotel - Bendigo

Sitting at the sunny tables on the footpath, one can admire the lovely, architecture and the stately, Plane trees running down View Street, hill toward the fountain. However, one then, tends to be quite forgotten. And then, one has to go inside to locate the menus and attract a staff member's attention, so as to place an order. The meal was enjoyable, but very, very expensive. I've no objection to 'Fine Dining' prices, BUT not at a pub, where the basic design of the bar and service area, makes it far too easy for staff to forget their prime initiative! Customer's pay their wages! And if they wish to charge THOSE prices then great customer service is imperative! So, NO, I can't say, I will be returning anytime soon.

We ate here because it looked good on the outside and we weren't disappointed. The food was excellent and the service was just as good. Next time in Bendigo we will eat there again.

We booked for a large group (booked for 30) on a Friday night. This was for an annual gathering, and our 3rd year at the pub.When we arrived, there was seating for only approx 24, and another table had been seated in the area. (taking up the extra seats we had reserved)When orders were finally taken, it did arrived within about 20-30 mins, but the quality varied greatly. The pork cutlets were reportedly very good, but the meals that could be prepared ahead of time - i ordered the lasagne - were not to the same standard. (The lasagne appeared to be served on a pile of cold 'something' (mashed potato?), and the edges were warm, but the centre was cool-cold. The cheesy top was an oily splodge, not the browned bubbly top i would expect.) They do make good fries though. The experience at the bar was also poor - one bartender couldn't understand that 'scotch, neat' meant just scotch - no ice and no diet coke! it may be better on other nights, but considering this was our 3rd year, and it had deteriorated each year (we had the same dramas re seating last year as well), we'll be going somewhere else for our catch-up next year.

We were warmly welcomed to this lovely cosy pub. Table seating is located in various areas which creates a quieter, cosier atmosphere. We chose a selection of tasting plates and one main meal to share and one dessert. The food was very tasty and reasonably priced. Service was friendly and efficient.

I had the misfortune of my meal being missed and not cooked while the rest of the table received their meals. I asked waitress where my meal was? Oh sorry it's been left out they missed it. We will cook it now, took another 15-20 mins and others had finished. It was a pasta cannelloni with pumpkin, it was like baby food couldn't find pasta only mashed pumpkin and cheese. I sent it back and said I didn't want to pay, it was left off bill and I was happy with that. I was offered a replacement at no cost but it was to late of course, the table had all finished eating and were ready to go, I wasn't keen to have anything g else anyway.