The Grand Hotel Warrandyte

I've lived close by to the Grand for quite a while now. In fact, I've driven past it twice a day, every day for the last the last 5 years. Yet the Grand was no stranger to me before my personal tidings with the place. I'd been a guest of both family and there dining room on two occasions prior to the last 60 months of crossing paths with the establishment. Yet sadly (yet also quite emphatically), I'd never felt the urge to even stop in for a beer by choice.until two weeks ago.
In saying that, I reckon I may be the only person (bar the old school locals) who hasnt at some stage felt the urge to step inside and see what else may compliment the beautifuly restored heritage fascia I was happy to continue seeing and calling my entire experience of the Grand Hotel Warrandyte.
Now, if you have been inside and had the chance to order a drink and/or experience the menu, you would have to be wondering by now why i seem to be intent on neg-posting about an outer Melbourne gastro pub that is clearly a well located business, meticulously maintained, has a good patron to staff ratio, and above all, would seem to own, and has grown into quite proudly, it's ode to fusion. Australian style.
In fact, one may suggest that the sheer numbers The Grand is hosting from Thursday night to Sunday late after noon would not only suggest that they are far from just barely keeping their doors open, and much closer to being regarded (if not already), as a Warrandyte icon.

So as far as the general consensus goes.it would seem that regardless of what im about to say that concerns me about The Grand (and places like it), is that apart from the fact they have failed to follow up a bar tab discrepancy I raised after finally venturing in for a drink with a friend, is that its now become a haven for yuppy east Victorian suburbanites and arrogantly affluent 25=35 year olds that make me feel like I, a local, don't belong.

Here in Australia, we call the town pub, 'our local'. Yet the atmosphere generated by The Grand's and its patrons makes it feel more like the Outsider. The crazy thing is that when i went in there, it made ME feel like the outsider.

So, as both a foodie and someone who worked in the hospitality industry (globally) for over 30 years, I can recommend The Grand Hotel to anyone that wishes to enjoy a gastro meal in a modern setting, only steps away from the Yarra River. I would also suggest going with friends or acquiring a thick skin (if you dont already have one), because you may fjnd yourself feeling out of place.even if you are a local.

By the way, I still haven't heard back from the manager regarding a $200 bar tab I put down. After purchasing (paid for on the spot) a beer and one mixed spirit, I left $200 cash at the bar to facilitate a running tab. After not enjoying the ambience, my friend and I decided to leave. I went and got my car whilst my friend collected the tab for me, of which I received the remainder of $100 and not a full $200 like I left. Still waiting from the manager to get back to me regarding this unfortunate incident.

Food was average. Fish salad and chips, we all had small serve of chips.fish was to much batter
salad was very small with mainly lettuce. We waited a long time for meals They do not serve coffee at all.

Had a Oaks day function here. It was wonderful. So much great food and entertainment. I will definitely be coming back

We had a great afternoon
/ evening in the outdoor courtyard with friends. Lots of character, good food and drinks. Will go again

Good food and comfortable bar. Well managed with professional service. I have been back several times and has been consistently good.

The most expensive food and drinks I've had in a long time. Price does not match service, quality or atmosphere, sorry.

I had my wedding here in the Riverview room. It was such a beautiful experience and I have so much gratitude and appreciation for the staff. They did an outstanding job organizing the space and following up on details for the big day. The food was amazing! We had a cocktail style wedding and people told me after that they had more than enough food and loved trying everything. I would highly recommend the Grand Hotel as an affordable and beautiful space for events. It felt elegant but also comfortable and spacious enough for 80 guests.

Bar staff are simply the best in the business, the same cheerful lad that poured our drinks, followed up with a full service and came out to the beer garden to collect our glasses.
The atmosphere at this place is genuine.

Lovely pub, nice cold drinks, unfortunately was very disapointed with our lunch there yesterday

Got a dose of food poisoning here on 5th Jan 2023.
Because of this I would not recommend this place.

Good food, but they dont have any take away boxes couldnt take my left overs home. Pro food waste.

Absolutely loved it! Such a beautiful place. So pretty and big! Staff amazing! Had an engagement party here and amazing food and drinks! Thanks for the memories

The food was good but the cleanliness of facilities were pretty bad, it needs a good clean Otherwise not too bad.

Absolutely appalling customer service after asking if we could take away our incredibly expensive meal home with us we were denied takeaway and met with revolting behaviour, being told we could wrap up our meals in napkins if we were so desperate. Would not recommend this place to any civilised person that knows what it takes to run a successful business in hospitality. You will be disgusted at their values. Ps. Food was beyond average and bland, the cost was an insult.

Went for lunch today. Calamari was terrible. It was off and slimy. Went up and told bar staff to be asked it I wanted another cooked or something else, no refund offered. Plus they have no kids menu.

Finally after 2 years the food is wonderful. Obviously the chef is new and the improvement is obvious. It has a great vibe and we will be back very soon.

Such a lively pub with great vibes here. Not to mention their new menu items were incredibly delicious. Portions were very generous! I loved the Arancini, tacos and chicken Parma! It’s a must

Good atmosphere, limited food options and not your normal pub food - weid ingredients on the basics. We all struggled to pick something.

Love the Grand, food can be a bit pricey for the quality but they have improved 100% from when they first opened up again after lockdown.

Waited in line to order- only 2 vegetarian hot mains on offer. Ordered the eggplants- and two beers. 15 mins later the girl comes out and says they’re out of eggplants. She offers us the soba salad (cold) on a freezing spring night. We order the burger. Another 15 mins and she comes out again and says they’re out of burgers. Offers us a chicken salad without chicken- so what? Iceberg lettuce for the same price? No thanks. Didn’t even make our drinks complimentary. This is the third time we’ve tried th is miserable establishment and we will not be going back- what a waste of time