The Del (Delany Hotel), Darby St.

You are here. Trying to explain the geography of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

Late last year, The Del in Newcastle started a renovation and expansion to include a fancy new dining room. Initial impressions were not that great (such as an hour to get food, having to order at the counter for $30 meals and so on) despite the gorgeous look inside. But thought I might give it another go, and set about gathering friends there on my visit…

Blurry, low light pics ahoy!

We set about amusing ourselves on the paper-covered tables with a pen we found on the floor. I think Victoria was in Tony’s belly button.

The staff don’t necessarily ‘get’ gluten free and questions about other food requirements. They claim something that’s done in Guinness is gf, however I’m told Guinness isn’t gluten free. Anyway. Read the menu carefully and ask a few times to be sure, I say!

My duck

Phil’s chicken

The service was certainly speedier than last time I was there, and people seemed happier in general than other times. There’s still coordination work to be done, such as not being asked by each of the waitresses in succession if you’d like bread, or if the rest of the group is coming.

And I hate having to get up to get drinks when you’re supposedly in a ‘nice’ place. I think it’s still a little confused about whether it wants to be a restaurant or a bistro. Table 26?

Tagged as: Darby Street, The Del