Tea Gardens Hotel Bondi

1 Reviews on “Tea Gardens Hotel Bondi”

• Artforartssake

  My wife and I came here on a Thursday night for a casual dins. Ive passed this place many times, but this was the first time actually taking the plunge and going inside. We went up to the second floor bistro, called the Balcony Bar and were surprised to find people smoking. It seems that the back part of the bistro, near the toilets, is a smoking area, but the front is smoke-free. As it was a chilly night, we didnt venture onto the balcony outside, where there are also tables, but it seemed as if there were people smoking there as well.The place is quite spacious, with comfy chairs and original wooden features. Even though it was a weeknight, it was still quite full so its obviously popular with the locals. Thats not surprising, since its been here for decades, or as long as I can remember going back to the mid 80s. It seems to be the one constant feature of a ever-changing Bondi Junction skyline. Ordering is pretty straightforward. Just go up to the little counter, place your order, pay and take a number to plonk on your table. We ordered a bruschetta salad, beef and guinness pie (off the specials Oktoberfest menu) and a peri peri chicken burger. Service was friendly, fast and efficient and within about 10 minutes of ordering, the salad was on the table. The ingredients were fresh and tasty, with lashings of rocket, tomato, onion and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. In an interesting touch, right in the middle of the salad was a big crunchy piece of garlic bread. A great way to start a meal. It wasnt long before the rest of the dishes were on the table. My beef and guinness pie had a warm fluffy pastry and inside the pie were chunky pieces of tender beef in a rich gravy. It was served with crispy chips and a small helping of salad. A very tasty meal. My wifes burger had a generous piece of succulent chicken breast on a fresh bun, with lettuce, tomato, cheese, mayo and guacamole, topped off with a tangy peri peri sauce and accompanied by a small basket of chips. A nice concoction which she enjoyed.All up, for that lot, we paid a modest $49. Drinks are pretty reasonable too. For a schooner of Great Northern Ale and a glass of sparkling white wine, we paid $15. Toilets are reasonably clean and well stocked, but no hand towels, only a painfully slow 1980s style hand dryer.Location is super convenient on the cnr of Oxford St and Bronte Rd, next to the Bronte St entrance of Westfield. If you arrive after 6.00pm, you can park for free at Westfield, other times, youll still get two hours free. My only gripe is that it can be a tad noisy, with all that wood and glass, and no carpets or sound absorbers. And the toleration of smoking seems a bit odd in this day and age, and ensures that part of the place is out-of-bounds for non smokers.

  February 5, 2019, 4:53 am

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