RE: A Heartbreaking Decline: Ivory Manor's Food Standards and Pricing Disappoint
It is with deep regret that I write this review. Having hosted seven functions at Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel over the past four years, I had come to associate the establishment with exceptional service, an inviting atmosphere, and an experience that left both my guests and myself delighted. However, my most recent visit marked the last time I will ever recommend or return to this venue.
Let me begin with the positives: the service remains top-notchāattentive, professional, and warm. The ambiance? Still charming and elegant, setting the perfect tone for any occasion. But this is where the compliments end. The food portions and prices are nothing short of shocking, leaving me utterly embarrassed in front of my guests.
The main courses were smaller than starters, an insult to any diner who values balance between quality and value. Take, for example, the lamb shank priced at a hefty R310. What arrived on the plate was barely two bites of meatāa portion so meagre it bordered on disrespectful. The Duck Duo, a dish with promise, was laughably tinyābetter described as a "Quail Duo" based on its size. And the Rib Eye steak, traditionally known for its hearty cut and flavour, was riddled with fat and sinew, rendering it almost inedible. To top it off, the desserts were an even greater disappointment, with portions so insubstantial they failed to satisfy even the lightest of sweet cravings.
This was a far cry from the Ivory Manor experience I had grown to love and trust over the years. It is evident that there has been a change in management or the culinary team, and unfortunately, the new direction is far from an improvement. Charging such exorbitant prices for these insultingly small portions is not only unjustifiable but also out of touch with the expectations of loyal patrons.
Let me be clear: this is not fine French cuisine, where smaller portions might be excused by the complexity and artistry of the dish. Even Pretoria-based French eateries offer larger, more satisfying portions at similar or lower price points. The stark contrast to your past standards is both disappointing and disheartening.
I had high hopes for this visit, expecting the usual blend of sophistication and satisfaction. Instead, I left feeling let down, embarrassed for my guests, and deeply saddened to see what Ivory Manor has become. Never again will I recommend your establishment, and never again will I return.
For a venue with such a stellar reputation, this decline in quality and value is unacceptable. I hope you take this feedback seriously because the Ivory Manor of today is far removed from the one I have cherished over the years. You have lost a loyal customer.
Dr Thommie and Mrs...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreIt is with deep regret that I write this review. Having hosted seven functions at Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel over the past four years, I had come to associate the establishment with exceptional service, an inviting atmosphere, and an experience that left both my guests and myself delighted. However, my most recent visit marked the last time I will ever recommend or return to this venue.||Let me begin with the positives: the service remains top-notchāattentive, professional, and warm. The ambiance? Still charming and elegant, setting the perfect tone for any occasion. But this is where the compliments end. The food portions and prices are nothing short of shocking, leaving me utterly embarrassed in front of my guests.||The main courses were smaller than starters, an insult to any diner who values balance between quality and value. Take, for example, the lamb shank priced at a hefty R310. What arrived on the plate was barely two bites of meatāa portion so meagre it bordered on disrespectful. The Duck Duo, a dish with promise, was laughably tinyābetter described as a "Quail Duo" based on its size. And the Rib Eye steak, traditionally known for its hearty cut and flavour, was riddled with fat and sinew, rendering it almost inedible. To top it off, the desserts were an even greater disappointment, with portions so insubstantial they failed to satisfy even the lightest of sweet cravings.||This was a far cry from the Ivory Manor experience I had grown to love and trust over the years. It is evident that there has been a change in management or the culinary team, and unfortunately, the new direction is far from an improvement. Charging such exorbitant prices for these insultingly small portions is not only unjustifiable but also out of touch with the expectations of loyal patrons.||Let me be clear: this is not fine French cuisine, where smaller portions might be excused by the complexity and artistry of the dish. Even Pretoria-based French eateries offer larger, more satisfying portions at similar or lower price points. The stark contrast to your past standards is both disappointing and disheartening.||I had high hopes for this visit, expecting the usual blend of sophistication and satisfaction. Instead, I left feeling let down, embarrassed for my guests, and deeply saddened to see what Ivory Manor has become. Never again will I recommend your establishment, and never again will I return.||For a venue with such a stellar reputation, this decline in quality and value is unacceptable. I hope you take this feedback seriously because the Ivory Manor of today is far removed from the one I have cherished over the years. You have lost a loyal customer.||Dr Thommie and Mrs...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreMy friends and I attended Helena Hettema's performance at the Ivor Monari Manor Boutique Hotel on May 18, 2024. While Hettema's performance was brilliant and stunning, our overall experience was disappointing. We paid R350.00 each for a meal that was supposed to accompany the performance. The menu included a beetroot and fig salad as a starter, a choice between red snapper fish or beef for the main course, and a classic tiramisu for dessert. We were instructed to arrive at 18:30 for a 19:00 start. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a sherry, but there was confusion regarding our table arrangement. We were not seated at our designated table, and the performance started late. Despite asking the waiter and other staff members for information about the meal service, none could provide any details or explanations. Eventually, we were served soup as a starter, which was not what we had been promised. When we inquired about the original menu, no one could explain the change. Dinner was not served until about 10 PM, after the second part of the show. By then, we were famsihed, only to discover that the meal was being served buffet-style on the patio. We were given curry and rice, which was poorly prepared. The food was overly spicy, and some guests couldn't eat it. Some people left out of frustration. After the final part of the performance, dessert was announced, but there was again confusion about its service. It was evident that the owner's mother and friends received preferential treatment, as they were served immediately. We requested to speak with the manager or owner, but when the owner came to our table, she walked away without addressing our concerns. Her dismissive attitude shocked us. Ivor Monari Manor Boutique Hotel claims to provide hands-on, friendly, and personalized service, but our experience contradicted this. The issues we faced were not resolved by simply offering a complimentary glass of wine. We left the hotel disappointed and saddened, as what could have been a beautiful night was marred by poor service and...
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