Spotted the shopadocket deal for this place, so gave them a go last week.

Arrived just before 11 am. Noticed the place was locked, so checked the opening hours. Signage indicated they opened at 11 am, so I did a bit of shopping elsewhere, and came back just after 11.

The guy behind the counter seemed to be having a bad day. Not at all friendly. When I asked how much whole chickens were, he just indicated the printed menu - "I can't be bothered dealing with you" was the vibe I got from him. The woman behind the scenes seemed a lot happier.

At the end of my meal, there wasn't any bin for my rubbish. When I asked about this, again, the vibe from the man was "I wish I didn't have to deal with people", but the friendly woman advised I could leave my bones etc... on the table, and they'd deal with it

My assessment of this place was mixed. Still, for $9.50 for two lots (with the voucher) of 1/4 chicken, chips and a can of Coke, I decided to return each Thursday, and printed out a further 4 vouchers from the website.

Went back today. Again the place was closed, so I bought some soap at the Safeways, and returned to the chicken place at 11.03 am. The front door was locked. I saw the man from last week, he seemed to see me, but didn't come to the door. I walked around to the other door, and knocked.

He called something out - but through the heavy (and locked) glass side doors I wasn't certain what he was saying. With a look of displeasure on his dial, he came towards me, opened the door, and said he didn't have anything ready. I didn't understand this, as the chickens over the coals looked done - well done. Some (not all) were almost black. He said he wouldn't have any food ready for half an hour. I asked if the opening hours had changed - mentioned the signage. I asked, as I was thinking ahead for next Thursday and the vouchers I'd already printed out - so I could plan ahead - maybe I'd need to arrive later that day. His response -

"It's my business, I open it whatever time I want."

!?

With this, I advised him I'd take my business elsewhere, and left.

For all this man knew, all I wanted was chips. As these are cooked fresh, why would he say they didn't have anything ready?

I wondered if he'd remembered me from last week - remembered I'd used a shopadocket. Maybe he didn't want those to be used?

I might add, today in Melbourne is cold. It wasn't raining at the time, but had been earlier. I certainly needed my coat. If this bloke, with the knowledge they'd advertised opening at 11 am, had smiled and said -

We're not quite ready with all the food, but you're welcome to wait inside until it's ready,

he'd have created a much better impression.

The shop itself is clean and roomy, but the "attitude" really ruined Lakeside Square Charcoal Chicken for me.

I won't be back.

Very well priced, we order and whole chicken and large chips, we get the chicken cut into 6 and that easily feeds all of us.
The chips aren't those soggy things but are actually really well cooked.

Approximate cost: $10

The yummiest charcoal chicken! The service is great. They are a family and they make you feel so welcome. We have been going there since they opened and have never had any complaints. The food is tasty and great value for money. The scallop potatoes are to die for!!

We order a half chicken and chips that they cut into 4 for us, and that feeds 3 of us with left overs. The sizing is so big, its fanastic, chicken salt is to die for. The chicken is perfect and the potato bake/scollop potato is the yummiest. The family the own it are really friendly, always smiling and no matter how busy always talk to you, all the chicken is free range

Approximate cost: $13