London Hotel

l went to the London hotel for lunch and was disappointed the tables had not been cleaned properly and we moved to three tables.Staff not very happy and food was ordinary .Was there last year and it was wonderful but after going there again recently l would not go back.l found this hotel to be wonderful for the elderly but for couples try somewhere else.

Many years ago The London was owned by two brothers and was a local institution - then they sold up and has never quite pulled the crowds like it used to. But it seems to be undergoing a renaissance. Another new owner has now put a lot of effort into bringing some atmosphere to the bar with fabulous huge gilt mirrors, golden window frames and tropical plants. this now feels like the oasis it should be. With lots of seating outside - great for summer evenings and a classy reastaurant upstairs - where they occasionally have jazz - and with the bar it offers a range of entertainment choices. The bar offers great meals at good prices. On the night I went I had a delicous roast duck breast ($24) and my friend had the calamari main ($20) which she really enjoyed. Would be great if The London could become the local like it used to be.

Never quite sure whether it's a classy upmarket bar or a down-to-earth pub, the London has managed to survive a packed Port Melbourne drinking scene and continued on. Upstairs is a classy eatery with downstairs providing lunchtime meals and lounges for afternoon drinking. Packed during summer afternoons (especially weekends), it can be a ghost town during winter.