Hotel Brunswick

For many years I have thought that this pub was not just the best in Australia, but the best on the entire planet. So it pains me to write a review that gives it only two stars. The location is still incredible and so is the vibe. But the food and service have plummeted so far over the past couple of years since The Duck took over that it bears scrutiny. The Duck run a wonderful restaurant called The Farm in Byron Bay - it is absolutely first class in every respect. So when they took over the Bruns pub we had great expectations. They’ve failed to meet them in every way. First, the food is not even up to suburban pub level. It’s plain, boring and seems to be designed to save money as opposed to making good food. For example, yesterday I ordered a chicken parmi for $30. I was asked if I wanted chips or salad. Sorry? Or? Why can’t I have both? A few years ago the Bruns had great food - huge platters of sushi, mountainous nachos, great pizzas, decent steaks (with chips AND salad). Now everything has been reduced to its lowest form. Everything is uninspiring. Surely the mob that gave us The Farm can do waaaay better. The ordering is also very confused. Sometimes the QR code system works for table ordering, but often it simply tells you to go to the bar. This simply doesn’t cut it. I was second in line at the bar last week, with just one woman in front of me. She spent 10 minutes quizzing the poor young barmaid about every aspect of the food regarding gluten, vegetarian, etc etc bloody etc. Of course the barmaid knew none of the answers and had to keep running away to check, so the entire exchange took forever. The same experience repeated itself this week when the patron in front of me placed a food order for her entire group of 8, with the requisite qualifications and quantifications (medium rare, mushroom days, chips and salad, etc) for seemingly every dish. My simple quest for a cold beer took ages. Bruns, this system is NOT good. My third disappointment is the booking. We showed up, just two of us, for a simple drink on Saturday night. The door lady asked us for our booking name? Sorry? Booking? We’re just here to have a couple of drinks. She solemnly told us sorry, we’re booked out. A simple glance showed that at least half the tables were empty. Eventually she squeezed us on the end of another table, but it was awkward as the main group didn’t really want us there, so we left after an hour, weaving amongst still empty tables on the way out. Bruns, you’re a pub, not a restaurant. Sure, you can have some areas available for pre-booking, but the day I have to book ahead just to have a beer is the day I stop coming. Nor does your online booking system give any flexibility for seating. A table right in front of the band and dance floor will give a completely different experience to table under cover at the far end of the garden, but you don’t get to choose. It’s useless. The Bruns still has a wonderful location and a welcoming vibe. But the whole service quality has become so disappointing that it’s easier to grab a six pack and some takeaway and sit by the river, or just head to a local cafe instead.

The most relaxing place to soak up in the Byron Shire atmosphere. Unpretentious, great friendly service, dogos welcomed, well priced delicious meals with loads of selection. Gluten free and vego options and family friendly. A must visit when in the region with gorgeous views to the river. We love the Bryn Hotel!!!