Reviews by DemonAngel

This review is for Atelier Cafe, Bellingen NSW

verified email - 22 Jun 2020

On a recent trip through Bellingen we stumbled upon this cafe after we were turned away from our regular stop as they had no more seats available for lunch.

My husband remembered seeing the sign outside of Fuller's Fruits "Cafe and Best Coffee Best Food" so we thought we would try it out.

Never Ever Again! The first clue should have been the fact there was no one in sitting in the cafe while the rest of town was a buzz with people. The second was the toilet smelling of urine!

We asked if we could have a table for 2 for lunch or should we just sit wherever we liked. The waitress seemed completely perplexed and asked what we would like? Which inturn confused me as I expected a menu of some sort. We were directed to the "fridge" and told everything was in there. So much for "Best Food" NOTHING is fresh it's all pre made and reheated.

With a long drive and not too many other options we picked our food and ordered a coffee... Took our seats and waited. While waiting I noticed the table had not been cleaned since the last customers left with bits of sugar wrapper disparaged all over the place.

Considering the place was empty when we got there the silence was quickly broken by a loud mouth regular who continued to loudly voice his contentment for the smell of the kitchen staffs sauce and once seated continued to non stop talk so loudly to his companion their over lunch. Also despite ordering after us was served first.

The food came out slower than expected given it only required toasting to bring back from it's lifeless fridge form. When the waitress put my coffee on the table I noticed her nails were BLACK, not painted black PACKED WITH DIRT and FILTH. Disgusted I couldn't wait to get out of here.

When we finished our food we were neither satisfied nor impressed. When I finished my Mocha there were clumps of chocolate at the bottom like it had been made from a satchel and not mixed at all. Could not wait to get out of here.

Bottom Line - NEVER AGAIN! Coffee TERRIBLE, Food Almost passable... Would never stop again! Book ahead and get a table at the old butter factotry is your planing to stop!

Approximate cost: $7

This review is for Nanna Kerr's Kitchen, Pokolbin NSW

verified email - 30 Jun 2018

My husband and I came here over the June long weekend for the very first time. I have to admit I was excited by a restaurant name "Nanna Kerr's" it conjures images of homely style cook and old fashion values which is not something you usually find in among the fine dinning restaurants of the Hunter Valley Vineyards.

The experience was disappointing. On arrival one could be taken away by the picturesque setting of Nanna Kerr's and the home style appearance of the restaurant but this first impression fated away.

We had booked a table a good couple of weeks in advance as to not be disappointed but when we arrived our table was just being set. We were not shown to our table just pointed in the right direction and left to found our own way which given the restaurant was starting to get busy this was forgiven, though watching it being set has we walked toward it was a surprise has there were at the time a lot of empty tables I did have to wonder why ours which was reserved was only being set on our arrival. Still I put this behind us.

We sat down and the first disappointment was the short menu, I didn't feel like there were a lot of options about 4 entrees, mains and desserts. There was a special deal for 2 and 3 courses and my husband was keen to have a 3 course lunch so while I struggled I selected the veggie opriton of cauliflower streaks while my husband chose the Nan’s Pork & Prosciutto Terrine for entree.

When our entrees arrived this was the first sign of what was come, my husbands Nan’s Pork & Prosciutto Terrine was not much more than a slice of meat, some crackers and a smear of relish. My cauliflower "steaks" were very small.. The flavor was there but this was far from the home style hearty meals we had expected.

Main came out well timed, my husband had the lamb shanks and I chose the Barramundi. It was at this point I was thrilled that we had ordered a side of potatoes because literally main was a slab of meat and little all else. (The "seasonal greens on the menu turned out to be 3 brussel sprouts) My husband was impressed with his main and I will say my fish was very well cooked but it was little more than a slab of fish at the end of the day.

The OMG Potatoes with Aioli & Shaved Parmesan, was by far the best part of the meal. I should point out these are actually potato and sweet potato chips and not "potatoes" has the name would suggest. A must have though if you visit.

The dessert (we both opted for the coconut cheesecake) was much more the serving size you would expect from the name of the restaurant. While called coconut cheesecake the flavor more favored hazelnut, was tasty none the less.

The Quality: The meals are what you would expect quality wise for any restaurant in the hunter valley. Fresh, well cooked and high quality VERY small and not much to chose from not really an option for everyone here.

Service: Could really improve. My husband ordered a "Coke" has he does not drink he was delivered a cola and pimms mixer.

We were not provided with fresh cutlery after our entree. When our dessert arrived at our tables we were forced to take cutlery from the table next to us because we were not brought a fork or spoon to eat with and it was impossible to get the attention of the waitress after our dessert was delivered.

Value: A bottle of Sauvignon Blanc Semillon - Tamburlaine $18 else where, $45 at the restaurant and the cheapest bottle of still wine on offer. While they do offer a special deal for 2 and 3 course meals the size of the meals don't really show any kind of value.

Over all a disappointing experience, the quality is there but the service and value is lacking. I think this restaurant could do with making the choice of being the home style family restaurant the name suggests rather than the fine dinning the prices and menu dictate.

Approximate cost: $32

This review is for Savannah On Swan Street, Morpeth NSW

verified email - 04 Mar 2016

I find we always have to stop here whenever in Morpeth, whether it's for a light lunch or a coffee the great food as us coming back again and again.

Nestled right on the river, there is a wonderful view from the Verandah if your lucky enough to get a seat outside.

Savannah's as an extensive menu for both breakfast and lunch, there is surely something to suit everyone. There are always great blackboard specials and delicious cakes, slices and cookies in display which are great for dessert or morning/afternoon tea!

It can get a little crowded as this is a very popular place for locals and out of towners alike! So there is sometimes a little wait and service can be a little slow. Prices are about average and the quality is always amazing!

A must when in Morpeth!

This review is for Commercial hotel, Morpeth NSW

verified email - 04 Mar 2016

When my nephew turned 18 I promised I'd take him out for lunch and a beer to celebrate. My husband and I picked him up from Tocal college and drove him down to the wonderful town of Morpeth.

We walked down town and stopped at the Commercial Hotel, the blackboard specials got us in the door, the menu is your standard pub fair. We ordered our meals and sat in the beer garden. Our food came out after a short wait.

The commercial is a great country pub with good bistro food, they have a lot of beer on tap and even have some of their own boutique specials. The staff are really friendly and the service was great.

All around a nice country pub, nice meals and good prices.

This review is for The Flying Duck, Vacy NSW

verified email - 04 Mar 2016

The flying duck is a real surprise, this little restaurant boasts a modern country menu with a little European flare, the restaurant makes use of local produce and ingredients which adds to the delicious menu.
The restaurant is fully licensed so you can also enjoy a good drink or wine with your meal.

My husband and I ate both dinner and breakfast (we stayed at the Vacy Village Motel at the back of the restaurant). We were both very happy with our meals, cooked perfectly, flavorsome and great value for money. Waffles and berries make for a great breakfast or dessert!

We would recommend this hidden gem to everyone, If we're in the area again well be sure to dine here!

I would recommend making a booking as it can get very busy as it's also very popular with the locals!

This review is for Vacy Village Motel, Vacy NSW

verified email - 04 Mar 2016

Quality accommodation with affordable prices! When we were looking into accommodation around Paterson for an overnight stay we stumbled across the Vacy Village Motel.

My first thoughts it's available, it's cheap... and we can't expect much more and it's just for the night... Well I have to say it was a pleasant surprise.

Our room (Queen Room with kitchenette) was neat, tidy, well kept and come with everything you need for an over night or even longer stay.

Our room was equipped with a queen bed and single bed, Air conditioning, small dining table and chairs, lounge, bar fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster, TV, fresh towels and shower supplies. Not to mention a lovely view of the property behind.

If your expecting a 5 star motel here your expecting too much but for this price. The motel does show some wear and tear but it's clean, tidy and comfortable, quiet and a lovely view from your window. All within walking distance to the pub and restaurant.

Approximate cost: $105

This review is for Hunter Valley Ghost Tours, Morpeth NSW

verified email - 04 Mar 2016

This was a very disappointing tour, my sister had told me that Hunter Valley Ghost Tours were running a special "Halloween" Tour and I was so excited, couldn't wait to book!

If you visit the website you will notice it's terrible and I think there is a reason for that... Because it seems to be the running theme.

We bought our tickets online, were provided little information other than the meeting was at a pub in Paterson. We would have missed the whole thing if it was not for someone asking if we were there for the Ghost Tour it seemed we were the only people unaware of the fact the meeting point was at the back of the pub.

It seemed terribly disorganized from the beginning, the guy running the tour didn't even seem to know how many people should have been there, we were directed to "sign in" but offered no explanation and our tickets weren't collected.

Now to be fair, our tour guide "Murray" put in some effort into his appearance... If only he'd put as much effort into his tour... he informed us this was only the second time he'd ran this particular tour and MAY need to refer to his tablet notes OCCASIONALLY... what he should have said is "I'll be reading my tour from my tablet, losing my place a lot, generally pucking it up the whole thing"

We left the pub on foot to walk around the small town of Paterson stopping in to various locations with notes of history.

The problem was... it was the middle of the night, it's dark!! The only light was from the tour guides tablet and occasional torch flash... great for atmosphere... not so great when your walking about a grave yard in 4 foot high grass in the dark... Or your tour guide walks so fast he leaves his tour well behind.

The really disappointing thing about the whole thing was, the stories and history were genuinely interesting but the terrible execution, miss pronunciation, stop start flow of stories, bad and inappropriate jokes, and awkward laugh ruined the whole experience.

Afterwards we were asked if we would like to come to a short "work shop" at the pub... It was less a "work shop" and more a show and tell and there was nothing short about it... As someone genuinely interested... I found the entire experience disappointing.

Approximate cost: $30

This review is for Court House Hotel Motel, Paterson NSW

verified email - 04 Mar 2016

The Court House Hotel/Motel is situated in the little town of Patterson.

We visited here as it was the meet up point for our Hunter Valley Ghost Tour - Halloween Tour so while where it's obvious that you take a seat and a drink.

There is a lot of history here in this little pub and a lot of great stories to hear from the owners. The pub as much to offer in the way of meals and accommodation but I do think it could benefit from a bit of renovating inside. The future and general appearance looks run down which is a shame because the service is great and value is about average for a pub.

Worth a stop if your in town!

This review is for Swill N Grill, Belmont NSW

verified email - 04 Mar 2016

I am really surprised that this place as not had a review since my last one in 2014!

I've not been out here for a while and a friend suggested we do lunch so I said let's go to the swill n grill! It did not disappoint!

The menu as had a bit of a change since I was here last, but the prices and meal sizes are of equal value and the service is second to none!

This visit we share the Aranchini balls for entree, I've never had them without aborio rice before lovely! Main we both had creamy prawns, the prawns were soft and cooked perfectly. There was a short wait between courses, each meals was well cooked and fresh.

We even stopped to look at the dessert cabinet both going with the flake cheesecake, I love the variety of the dessert cabinet there is always something new to try.

I am definitely a regular here now with many reasons to come back! Highly recommended for a great meal, great service and great prices!

Approximate cost: $16

This review is for Vincent's Cafe at the Coliseum, Mayfield NSW

verified email - 04 Mar 2016

I've had take away coffee here many times and I find that the problem is you never know what your going to get quality wise. Sometimes it's great other times frankly it tastes like muddy water or like someone just cleaned out the muck from the coffee machine and left it in my cup.

The cafe offers a great variety of meals and snacks so I'd perhaps avoid the coffee and try the food!

Quality - Varies!
Service - Great, Very friendly and fast!
Value - Average!

Vincent's Cafe At The Coliseum is open for breakfast and lunch daily from 8.30am.