The Royal Kitchen - CASTLEMAINE

Just kinda average in terms of service and food. It seems to be just a place for cool people to hang out.

I was filling in time before a trip, thought quick breakfast and coffee testing time. The service soooo slow. I really could not see what the delay was. Lucky I was not in a hurry. Comfortable place, few flies hanging around, but the coffee when it finally arrived with the croissant was just so so, nothing I could come running back for. But the croissant was something else. Heavy substantial I ate slowly so it would last. Love to find out what bakery that came from.I love the surrounds and amused myself taking photos of the theatre. But I certainly could not recommend the service. Hardly anyone there. Don't know how they would cope if 10 people suddenly walked in. How come a croissant heating takes so long. I think they had preferential customers and talking too much to care about prompt customer service. A theatre and a café don't really have a good mix - I had a sense it would not be great. My gut instinct was right. I cannot remember what I paid, but I know it was too expensive for the value of the coffee.Staff too casual, trendy and hipster to be good at the service. Coffee brew needs reviewing as its not really a winner. Not a newspaper in sight either.Don't be in a hurry to go somewhere while you wait for your order.

Whenever I go to see a film I have to have a coffee and maybe a sweet treat. The pastries are delicious. The service can be slow but staff are pleasant and the coffee is good. The ice cream bar next door has a good selection of flavours. It is always fun to sit at the footpath seating sipping a glass of wine with friends and watching the passing parade or discussing the merits of a film.

There are some who love the oversweet pastries and mediocre coffee - because this a place to meet friends. But there are better places to eat in Castlemaine, and fewer community events here. Even the monthly artists' market has moved on - into a nearby street. Friends came for a very disappointing birthday lunch; we've looked at the slightly pretentious menu, shaken our heads, and settled for a coffee. Never again - a terrible decaff! But at least the cakes are covered now - for months they were open to the flies, coughs and sneezes, so maybe things are looking up!

The last time I ate here which was quite a while ago, was at a night there was a function on and we were served a what I called a lamb stew! It consisted of a 1" marrow bone and about the same size piece of meat..the rest was just broth and a couple of pieces of potato. This was the main course. Left there very hungry. The only thing I have eaten there since was an ice cream from their kiosk which was okay.There is new people there so I hope it has improved.thank God the show was great.