Tonsley Hotel

When we were young we always held this place in awe namely because it had a nightclub but it was too far away for those of us without transport. However those days are long gone but now the front bar, known as the Chrysler Bar, has a character of its own. While the Mitsubishi plant has closed down, the Chrysler Bar looks back at the days when all of the workers would descend upon the pub for after work drinks. What is really cool is that the beer garden, and it is an impressive beer garden, has oil barrels set up as tables, and the bar itself has a couple of cars embedded in the walls. The food menu is not what one would expect, having sliders available, though I ended up having a Club Sandwich. This is definitely a pub that I like and intentionally came back here on my return to Adelaide for a meal.

We booked the flinders room for a function which cost $165 and paid $13 per head for light lunch with tea and coffee. All food choice was picked and arranged 10 days prior. Plus additional cakage fee of $1.00 per person for cupcakes which we supplied. We arrived at hotel at the time I originally told the function manager we would be there which was 12. Went to pay for food and drinks on my card and they tried to over charge me for tea and coffee per person which was already included in the light lunch function deal. The lady took off the $70 over charged amount, then I paid with card all food and softdrinks. We had batches of food come out over 2.5 hrs. 1st batch of baguettes took 45 mins. They supplied no plates, so asked for plates we could eat off. I also asked for a present table which never arrived the whole 4 hrs we were there. Second batch of food which was enough to feed 10 people and not 25 came 45 mins after baguettes. No staff coming in asking if we wanted ...read more

Recently stayed at this hotel, location is perfect - its close to town and attractions (Zoo is 20 mins away) and on a strip that has a heap of shops and food outlets. The rates for the family room was reasonable - queen bed and two singles in a small-ish room. Not a lot available for kids to do though within the property, only option was a few kids channels on the TV and some play stations in the restaurant, no pool either. Only complaints/suggestions would be a better lock on the room door - was a bit uncomfortable having only a 'push button' lock not a dead bolt or even a chain on the door! And the Breakfast menu is not well suited to kids - not a lot of options - no fruit available and it is a bit pricey. The quantity of breakfast was different every morning too (some mornings lots of egg, mushroom and bacon other mornings you wondered what you paid for!!)

The meals are a bit hit or miss. If you go in a big group they wait until the last person pays before bringing the food out. A half hour lunch preordered turned into a 2 hour lunch as we all had to line up with people who did not preorder. The last straw was in the front bar last week when the salad had at the bottom of it a big long hair as I lifted up a spoon full. I returned the plate with the hair but no apology or anything. Also witnessed the management arguing at the front bar with the staff. Not pretty. Will not be going back anymore even though I work nearby.

The Tonsley is an awesome place. Free pool in the front bar on sundays. Nice staff and a great place to chill and enjoy some food and or drinks. Friendly locals, some cute and some funny :)