Guildford Hotel

The Guildford Hotel no longer feels like a local pub, and I wouldn't recommend it until cleanliness, safety, and service are taken seriously. It's become untidy and poorly maintained, with little care shown around the venue. The atmosphere feels unwelcoming and unsafe, more chaotic than social. Service is weak. Staff seem disengaged and focus on big-spending punters, while regulars are largely ignored. There's not much professionalism or crowd control, which makes the place feel uncomfortable. Very young patrons seem to be there without enjoying the pub responsibly, and end up spoiling the experience for everyone. The hotel has changed completely in a way that doesn't suit the local demographic. Whatever management is aiming for feels forced and out of touch with the area and the people who live there.

The relaxed, friendly service stood out, and everyone we met greeted us with a smile. We went for lunch with family and weren't disappointed. The interiors have a great retro 1920s feel, with booths, tables and chairs, plus a little cocktail-style lounge area. The fish n' chips may be the best I've had in Sydney. The portion was generous, the fish had lovely fresh flavours and a light, pillowy batter, and the crunchy chips were well dusted with chicken salt. The salad was fresh and came with dressing, a welcome change from most places in Sydney. This is a Western Sydney gem. We'll definitely be back.

After trying countless other shops over the years, I can honestly say their special nut falooda is the best version I've tasted anywhere in this city. The vermicelli texture, ice cream quality, and syrup sweetness are all calibrated perfectly.

The rooms are in good condition, though they could use some work on cleaning and hygiene. There's plenty of parking at the back of the hotel, and the bathrooms are communal rather than attached. Neither the toilet nor the bath area had a soap dispenser for handwashing. At check-in I was asked to provide copies of my debit card and ID, and told it was for security reasons. I don't think that's right.