A would-be crook left empty-handed after a failed armed robbery at a Wangaratta hotel in Victoria's north-east last week.

The unidentified man entered the Old Town and Country Tavern on February 19 at 10.15pm carrying a knife and a plastic bag.

Once inside the pub, the hooded man called out for staff to hand over cash, and banged his knife on the hotel counter to try and get attention.

But no one came to serve him and the failed crook left with his plastic bag still empty.

The man, who was wearing a red flannelette jacket, yellow gloves, blue Adidas pants and a grey hood, left the scene in a dark blue commodore sedan.

Detective Senior Constable Jason Brown said the incident was unusual for the quiet regional area and was concerning as other people were inside the pub.

"There were people playing the pokies when it happened and he had to walk past a few of them," he said.

"There were four or five people inside the venue. It is concerning. It's out of character for the area."

Mr Brown said it was lucky there weren't more people inside the venue at the time.

"At 10pm, it wasn't too far off closing time," he said.

"He had his head covered with something, went to the counter and demanded cash, but the staff were in another part of the bar."

Police are appealing for more information about the suspect, with anyone who recognises the man urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

- with Border Mail.

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