Cove Hotel - Pub in Patterson Lakes Victoria

We have frequented The Cove on many occasions over the past 12 months for weekend drinks. As mentioned in many previous reviews the staff are truly unmotivated to the point of rudeness and obviously aren't happy to be working there. I can only assume there is a serious issue with the venue's internal management system causing such behaviour within front of house "hospitality".

The venue is one of many owned by Pegasus Leisure Group, who state "We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding customer service ..." which is clearly not the case with The Cove.

On Saturday 01/02/25 we decided to order two final drinks and some bar snacks; waiting until 15:30 so the dining areas were empty to avoid any delay (images attached).

30 minutes later, I ordered another pint assuming the food was on its way.

1 hour after ordering the snacks, my wife asked the barman about the food order. He went to investigate the kitchen. We received no update.

10 minutes later (1 hour and 10 minutes after placing our order and paying) I asked the barman for an update, to which he replied "I have been to the kitchen and there is no sign of your order". That was it. No apology. No "they're cooking it now". NOTHING! No action taken.

I had to ask for a refund.

Never again. And, management, please don't insult my intelligence with your cut & paste responses" We are better then this & I hope that you give the Cove another chance sometime again."

THE END.

Overall, the meals were great and delicious. Shame the fans were not on has it was extremely warm today, and it became very uncomfortable quickly.

Absolutely amazing place to eat. My partner and I decided to go out for lunch and chose The Cove. We walked in with no booking and the staff were able to get us a table for 2 on the deck despite it being quite busy. The atmosphere was great and we had a nice view of the Patterson Lakes marina.

I ordered a Hawaiian parma and my partner ordered a chicken schnitzel. The wait for our food was about 25-30 minutes but it was definitely well worth the wait. The chicken was not dry whatsoever and it was a large portion size, I couldn't finish my food because it was so filling!

The staff were friendly and helpful and the decor around the restaurant really helped make this visit 5 stars. The Christmas themed table numbers and napkins as well as the decorations added a lovely festive touch. Will definitely be coming here again, possibly for dinner next time. Thank you!

This review is for the bar area & bar menu.
We have been coming here for a very long time. My dad & l come here when lm in Melbourne for a cold beer, bet on the horses and to have a good pub meal. Sadly this time around and hopefully it was a once off occasion though things weren't great. Firstly when we walked in we had to look for staff. Then there was one female staff member all on her own at 12noon. This is poor management as she was run off her feet from the moment we arrived. It took another hour before she had help and with 8+ customers standing at the bar wondering what was going on l had to explain that there was only one staff member. Just before 2pm my dad and l (which my dad races on about the calamari) so we ordered 2x calamari dishes. What a great disappointment. You would get a better dish at any fish n chip shop. No care taken at all with presentation in the slightest and l would have to say it's the worst pub meal that lve had since l can remember. So plain and unappetising that my dad was close to taking it back which he never does. I suspect there was no chef on and even barely at cook at the standard of food. The only positive was the beer was cold.

The Cove Hotel in Patterson Lakes, Victoria, is a popular dining destination known for its exceptional food and welcoming atmosphere. Located by the picturesque marina, the hotel offers stunning waterfront views that create a relaxed and enjoyable setting for any occasion.

Guests frequently praise the restaurant for its diverse menu, which features a selection of fresh seafood, hearty mains, and delicious desserts. Whether you're in the mood for a casual meal or a special night out, The Cove Hotel delivers with quality dishes that satisfy a wide range of tastes.

Adding to the experience is the hotel's team of professional and friendly staff, who go above and beyond to ensure every visitor feels welcomed and well-cared for. Their attentive service and warm hospitality contribute significantly to the hotel's reputation as a top choice for dining in Patterson Lakes. Whether you're a local or a visitor, The Cove Hotel offers a dining experience that combines great food with excellent service in a beautiful setting.