Holdfast Hotel

I came here as part of an after-​work dinner, since it is within walking distance … and I wasn’t expecting much after reading the reviews here! But I must say, I was pleasantly surprised! I’ve heard a rumour that The Holdy is under completely new management, so that may account for the review differences ;)
The beer garden here is very nice, and the dining area is lovely and large. The wine menu by the glass wasn’t as extensive as I was expecting, but what was on offer was good quality (NZ sav blanc, for example). Staff here are very polite and professional (even though they hadn’t noted our booking for 10, it wasn’t very busy so they quickly made up a table for us).
There is a very extensive menu (some may say *too* extensive, but I think the more choice the better!), and the kids menu is great too. Meals came out very quickly, and were of a high quality. I would have given my dining experience 5 stars, but the salt and pepper squid I ordered was WAY too salty (and I really love my salt, so for me to find something too salty is unusual!!), but my partner’s pan-​fried gnocchi was amazing, and everyone else’s meals looked delicious too.
I would definitely have dinner here again, and everyone at my table was equally impressed, and talking about the next time we visit. But yeah, maybe not the salt & pepper squid next time ;)

I have only been to the Holdy once, but after reading Michelle’s review, must need to go a lot more because it really didn’t seem as bad as she made it out to be… I have only ever been there for dinner so therefore cannot comment on the nightlife aspect so will let you make up your own mind!
First of all, there was a massive confusion with our booking because although my boyfriend and I arrived first, neither of us made the booking but offered every possible name combination it could be to be told there was no booking under any of those names. Of course, when the girl who made the booking rocked up it was all rectified, but we were made to feel a little stupid.
Secondly, the food was a little pricey but when it came out the portion sizes were pretty big. The boys both had huge pieces of meat which looked amazing and at around $ 30, I guess you would expect to pay that anyway. The waitress was also pretty knowledgeable about the menu and answered some questions when I asked. I like the modern décor and the leather bench seating along one side, I love all booth and half-​booth type seating arrangements!

I’ve eaten here a few times, and while it’s not a place I go out of my way to race to for dinner or a night out, I can’t really complain about my experience here.
The food was pretty alright, I’m not going to rave about it, but it was good. A bit on the exxy side maybe, but as Sarah says, the serving sizes were quite big.
I can’t comment on the nightlife, as I’ve only ever eaten here, and even then it was early and during the week. From the sounds of it I probably don’t want to go on the weekends!

The Holdy! Tip 1 — Hold onto your stomach, coz if you eat here you’ll discover that the food is disgusting bordering on shit. Tip 2 — Hold onto your tongue, coz you’ll be tempted to abuse any and all employees for their terrible service. Tip 3 — Hold onto your vomit. If you’re one of the Wed night regulars you’re probably just out of high school or starting uni and you just can’t handle those dirt cheap drink specials all freakin night get it. Tip 4 — Hold onto your knickers, if you happen to be wearing any, which if you see Tip 3 above is a slim chance. In a nutshell — welcome to skankville!