Captain Melville — Bar in Melbourne

Reviews of Captain Melville

• Zachary

  Added 2016.04.12

  I had the worst experience here! I'm not one to leave Internet reviews but I feel like something has to be said. I came in on a Tuesday afternoon for drinks with some friends after work. The bar wasn't busy, so we chatted with the bartender and I believed everyone was getting along and having a good time. When I left to go to the restroom the bartender, named Johnny from Wellington, told my friend that he didn't like me because I was American. She pressed him to see if there was a specific reason why he didn't like me or if I had exhibited any bad behavior, but he couldn't give any examples. It was simply because I was American. Obviously once I returned from the bathroom my friend, who is not American, told me what had happened, as she felt very uncomfortable. At first I didn't think I should react to his ignorance, but I realized that his generalization of me was very unfair as I believed we were having a very pleasant chat! I said in a very calm way, "I heard that you don't like me because I'm American", and he immediately turned to my friend and said "thanks a lot". No apology to me. He didn't even try to defend himself. I didn't back down though, and kept pressing him for reasons. He began to feel very uncomfortable and couldn't even look me in the eyes. He then said "You becoming upset about this is just defending my argument, not helping yours." Basically trying to blame the victim for his bigotry. Then the manager, Alan came over. He immediately defended Johny. No apology for me. He tried to act very apologetic, by putting his arm around me and pulling a stool next to ours. But it felt very dismissive and almost like he was talking down to me. I became so frustrated I began to cry! I'm absolutely mortified that I cried in public, at a bar, in front of these two a**holes.. I'm just so frustrated by their ignorance as this is the year 2017, not 1917. Where I'm from doesn't define who I am. I can't even imagine what it would feel like if I was of a different race or sexual orientation and I had come into this bar. I can't believe the treatment I received here, by these prejudiced ignorant men. It's not even so much that my feelings are hurt, as I'm appalled by their behavior in what is supposed to be one of the most liberal countries in the world.
• Miguel

  Added 2015.05.08

  My wife and I had our wedding reception at Captain Melville last night. The staff were amazing and took care of everything, from organising who had special dietary requirements to setting out the layout and handling everything we asked for. And the food, my god it is simply amazing, the Saam dish is incredible. Thank you to Siobhan and all the staff for an incredible night
• Ian

  Added 2013.10.15

  Oldest continuous use pub in Victoria. Excellent meals too. At one time had over a dozen stables in the back for horses and was the last stop for a lot of people returning from the goldfields in the 1880s. The staff at this place are excellent too. We had a problem with our order that they fixed asap and gave a free drink or discount on the meal. real good service.
• James

  Added 2013.07.22

  Great 'original' pub. An oasis surrounded by a forest of high rise in the CBD. Good choice of beers and great bar food. Friendly helpful staff, great music. Just go there .....
• Sophia

  Added 2013.06.02

  Truly beautiful excellent staff. Went to a wedding in function area recently and food was truly exceptional. Love the low key upstairs area that runs after midnight. Great place.