Harrington's Bar & Grill

10 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

Great place to hang out and relax. Dine with friends and family. Food is great and so are the friendly and attentive staff. Location is very nice surrounded by trees and nature and the beautiful country club. Will be a regular customer for both food and drinks at the bar. Lovely place.

Dec 16, 2011 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  6      Value  10     

Came here a while ago with my boyfriend, was extremely please with the value for money. Both my boyfriend and I ordered the rump steak for $21, came out on a plate of approx dimensions 40cmx15cm and the plate was covered in chips salad and steak. Amazed by how much food was in front of me!

We also ordered a side of mushrooms for $6, I was expecting maybe 10 or so mushrooms...it was a huge bowlful! Great value for money. There was a function next door and yes there were noisy, but they were obviously having a good time, can't expect them to be quiet.

Service wasn't the best but when we did get the attention of a waitress they were extremely polite and helpful. Will be back.

Nov 28, 2011 

2.3 Not Recommended

Food  2      Ambience  3      Service  2      Value  2     

I was a bit skeptical to try this place as I had heard the food was not-so-good. However, due to the beautiful surroundings, decided to try the place out for myself. Forty minutes after having ordered, the bruschetta finally arrived. Two of the pieces of toast were toasted until black on the edges. I am surprised they still served it. The tomato topping had an overpowering acidic taste to it. Our main meals were rather average. I'll be back - but only for drinks at the bar!

Nov 27, 2011 

2.3 Not Recommended

Food  2      Ambience  4      Service  2      Value  1     

Previously Jarrah's, however, now known as 'Harrington Bar and Grill' this restaurant promises much, but falls well short of the first-class dining experience it's 'Country Club' surroundings would suggest.

We will not go back for an evening dining experience. We may try it for a summer lunch.

Factual chronology: Waiting somewhat too long to be greeted upon arrival (function of poor layout of bar service area (where staff congregate) relative to entrance area. Immediately notice large screen television presenting Football - unexpected for 'up-market' restaurant. No place to hang coats, Maitre D' offered to place behind reception.

Promptly offered a drink/breads - Red Wine ordered (St Johns Shiraz, 2008, Barossa Valley). Food Menus delivered in a timely fashion. Food order taken following closing of menus (good) (1 entree to share, 2 mains). Wine fails to arrive after 15 minutes, prompt required, with reminder of what was in fact ordered.

Wine delivered to neighbouring table within 2 minutes of prompt. Wine then delivered to our table. Wine presented - incorrect wine (2009, not 2008). Unsuccessful search for 2008 results in 2009 to be accepted following positive talk of the wine by the Duty Manager.

Breads delivered (Sourdough with balsamic and Olive Oil) interesting presentation - bread OK, after about 30 minutes of engaging conversation and enjoying the wine we realise that, perhaps, the entree should have arrived by now. Waitress almost co-incidentally presents, however, with main meals, asked after whereabouts of the entree. Apology offered, main meals removed.

We question our own wisdom of reminding the staff of the entree, as we suspect the mains are now destined to sit under the heat lamps. Entree arrives after 9 minutes and 62 minutes since arrival, Garlic Prawns, $16, warm, not sizzling, flavour acceptable, however, not particularly garlicky, cannot be certain fresh garlic was employed in the preparation of the dish. Described on menu as a 'generous serving of prawns' - hence sharing the entree, would describe as an average serving for entree.

Another long wait after the entree is finished (for both the removal of the plates and the arrival of the main), this gives rise to some hope the main meal will be prepared fresh). Neighbouring Function (Wedding) becomes significantly more audible as DJ encourages guests to dance. Somewhat disruptive to ability to converse at the table.

Main Meal arrives 94 minutes after arrival at the restaurant (Slow roasted Lamb Shoulder - $29 and Veal Escalopes - $31). Both meals are prepared as described upon the menu. Flavours are delicate for the Veal Escalopes and potato rösti are as to be expected. Unfortunately, the meal has definitely sat underneath the heat lamps for quite some time, the veal suffered significant scalding upon the upper side (becoming very dried out and crusty), yet the underside remained relatively moist and soft and much lighter in colour.

The Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder was also flavoursome, however, diminished again by the issues with keeping the meal warm for 30 minutes, drying out the flesh of the lamp. Harrington's Black Forest ordered for dessert, $15, Described as 'soft freshly baked' upon the menu.

Music emanating from function room next door no longer muffled whatsoever and DJ announcements now quite loud. Dessert arrived 128 minutes after arrival. Normally Black Forest is served as a layered Torte, however, the presentation was interesting, best described as an upside-down cup-cake complimented by cream and 4 cherries separately. Black Forest also normally enjoys a 'sour' taste contrasting to the sweetness of the cake.

The cherries were not sour, not an issue for me, however, somewhat unconventional if to be described as Black Forest. The most disappointing matter, however, is the fact it is not fresh baked. It was indeed soft, however, the cake was very warm on the outer edges, and progressively cooler towards the centre, which could not be described as frozen, however, one could readily tell that it had once been so.

No offer of anything further upon completion of dessert, and, therefore, no opportunity to ask for the bill to be settled. This required presentation at the bar. No Tip given. Staff do not retrieve coat. Staff not aware from where to retrieve coat. We advise it is apparently behind reception. Coat arrives after a few minutes.

Depart 151 minutes after arrival. The kitchen is certainly let down by the service. The Harrington Bar & Grill suffers an identity problem: outstanding first class premises, however, low-rent furniture more appropriate to an RSL Club. Well thought through upper-dining menu, but hamburgers and chips also served at neighbouring tables. Well-dressed Maitre D' upon arrival, then staff dressed more appropriately for local club or pub.

Ambience very conflicted, quiet restaurant disturbed by (potentially, and in this case, actually) noisy functions next door and (potentially, and in this case, actually) distracting television.

Recommendation: Go to Harrington Grove Country Club and the Harrington Bar and Grill expecting a pub or club experience and I think you will be happy. Order the $12 - $16 burgers and a Stella Artois beer and watch the footy with your mates. If you looking to enjoy a romantic evening in an upper class establishment, look elsewhere.

Oct 06, 2011