The cafe is basic, very much what you might expect at a holiday camp. It is situated inside a caravan park at Lake Fyans. The setting is pretty with the lake outlook and there is plenty of parking. The front barrier near the office has to be lifted in order to get in, you cannot simply drive straight in. Finding the Holiday Park is much easier now there is clear signage from Stawell and Pomonal.

Despite the very warm evening and a crowd of people packed into the venue it remained a pleasant temperature all evening. Chilled water was available at all times from a dispensing unit near the door.

Our event was booked well ahead. I was disappointed that the restaurant was locked and unattended at 5.30 pm when the meal was billed as to be served at 6 pm, with entertainment beginning at 7.30 pm.

After opening, the place was clearly not ready for guests. The tables were not set. Much later, when everyone was seated, the bread and butter plates were delivered in stacks and left on the tables, for the dinners to dole out like dealing a pack of cards. Still setting up at 6.30pm. In addition the volume of music was too loud. People need to be able to hear each other talk.

The bar opened before the food arrived. Starter amounted to bacon and cheese loaf with margarine. No provision for vegetarians whom they had been informed were attending. People tore into those loaves like they were starving. The vegetarian main meal was adequate but not stunning, and certainly not worth leaving home for, unlike the standard meals which satisfied the people at our table.

At 7.15 no sign of a main course. At least when finally it arrived (put in front of the diner from any side) it appeared to be freshly prepared. The group booking meant that the “limited” menu was provided: a choice between a pasta dish, fish, beef pie, schnitzel, each with salad and chips. Each of the dishes was eaten by at least one person at my table and all were pleased by the generous servings. The salads were a bit more like a garnish than a side dish, but at least the effort was made and it was better than a pathetic piece of lettuce and slice of tomato: different coloured capsicums, salad leaves, onion, carrot...crisp and fresh tasting and nicely presented. It would have been improved by leaving off the dressing. Like sauce or salt, this should be applied by the eater according to his taste. There was no tea, coffee or desert.

Ignorance of proper table etiquette is common, not just at this cafe, and the waiting staff need tutoring in service. The purpose of a service industry is providing a service. The cafe is adequate with some good things going for it and potential to be first class in my opinion. Pity it isn't there yet and the heavy vinyl table coverings, instead of cloths, are not a good look. But at least they weren't bare "Laminex" tables.