Bar Bambi owners threaten legal action over ‘orchestrated campaign’ and TikTok video

A Melbourne bar and restaurant frequented by influencers but flooded with a series of one-star reviews has threatened to sue a TikToker over her video.

A Melbourne venue frequented by socialites and celebrities is hitting back at what it calls an “orchestrated campaign against the venue” after dozens of one-star reviews.

Bar Bambi, located at AC/DC Lane in the CBD opened with much fanfare in November last year as the latest offering from nightclub mogul and former reality TV star Nick Russian and his wife Rozalia.

The late-night bar became a must-see for Melburnians, serving Italian cocktails and share plates to the likes of Chris and Rebecca Judd, former Masterchef judge George Calombaris, state Liberal Leader Matthew Guy and Melbourne Demons star Christian Petracca.

But it appears not everybody has enjoyed their time at the venue. In recent days, one-star reviews have flooded in for Bar Bambi on Google.

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Nick and Rozalia Russian. Picture: Mark Stewart

Christian Petracca and girlfriend Bella Beischer. Picture: Mark Stewart

One reviewer who called the food “bland, basic and overpriced”, the service “horrendous” and claimed one staff member was “judging everyone” took to social media after bar management wrote her a reply stating: “Maybe Smorgys will be a better option for you.”

Ruby Scerri wrote: “Would NEVER recommend Bar Bambi to anyone especially if you like good food and service.”

The owner wrote back.

“Hi Ruby, all of our guests are treated with respect and equal, so your insecurities of being judged is rather contradictory whilst you’ve gone to the extent of being so judgmental in your bogus review.”

The reply continued with management telling Ms Scerri that “$75 for 5 courses is beyond reasonable but obviously out of your budget”.

Chris and Rebecca Judd at the opening of Bar Bambi in ACDC Lane on November 11, 2021. Picture: Supplied

On TikTok, Ms Scerri shared two videos about her experience with Bar Bambi. In a second video, she reads out other negative reviews and includes a screenshot of a private message she appears to have sent Mr Russian on Instagram.

It reads: “absolute PIG YOU ARE.”

When approached by news.com.au, Bar Bambi’s management said it would be taking legal action against Ms Scerri and others.

“The lady in the TikTok has called Nick Russian “absolute Pig you are”.

“This matter is now in the hands of Bar Bambi lawyers who will be taking action against the person who has created the TikTok account as well as the people who have created fake google profile reviews that is an orchestrated campaign against the venue.”

Ms Scerri is not the first to criticise management for the way it responds to negative reviews.

Another patron wrote in February that the food was the “worst I’ve had in a long time”.

“$75 for a set menu of nothing … took over half an hour to get water to the table and even then one jug for 11 people.

Bar Bambi’s reply to Ruby’s review, which suggested wait staff were “rude and judgmental when (asked) simple questions”.

“Would recommend to stay away. If I could give no stars, I would.”

Management wrote back: “After reviewing your other reviews, it seems as though Sizzler or Smorgys may be more suited … thank you for your review.”

To another customer who gave a three-star review and criticised the cost of the set menu, management wrote: “Sorry if $75 is beyond your budget. From the thousands of meals we do, most feedback is that of great value. I’m sure there are plenty of other venues more suited to your needs and budget.”

Bar Bambi did not respond to questions about its replies to negative reviews on Google.

Ms Scerri has been approached for comment.