Local Press Cafe — Restaurant in District of Canberra Central

The system to order food / get a table is really strange and neither of us could work out what we're supposed to be doing. When we first walked in, we sat down at an empty table and then we were told that there was a waitlist of people waiting already, so we had to vacate the table. While we were waiting for what the hostess(?) estimated to be 10-15mins till we would be given a table, we lined up at the counter to order our food. We stood in line for 15mins, but when we got to the counter we were told that we couldn't order food till we were seated at a table! (WHY WASN'T THERE A SIGN TO SAY THIS?!) Then we went back to the hostess to see if our table was ready yet - we were told it shouldn't be much longer. Then, about 5mins later, we were seated at a table but then had to go and line back up at the counter AGAIN for another 10mins, just to order our food!! We wasted 30mins trying to figure out the damn system how to get a table and order food! Of course it started an argument between my partner and I, because both of us were trying to figure out what the hell we are supposed to be doing and felt like we weren't getting anywhere! It was not a great way to start off the day!! Also, we found out later the hostess doesn't even work there, she is just there to sell flowers, but she's also the one managing the waitlist - VERY CONFUSING!! Great atmosphere, great view, great location, great food (once you get it), but the juices are not fresh.... If you...

Love the cafe, the food and their service! Local Press Cafe is located along the Kingston Foreshore facing the lake, making it the perfect place for a cozy breakfast and lunch experience. The place is packed (good timing, there's only one person ahead of us in the waiting list when we arrived). They handle their guests very well as they welcome us with warm greetings and escort us to our table. They serve lemon water (not just tap water) while we check on the menu and there are copies of the Canberra Weekly magazine to read on. It's not your usual breakfast café as they serve healthy dishes. As we are fans of Eggs Benedict whenever we have our brunches, we ordered their Salmon + Pickles on Toast and a Bean + Chickpea Cassoulet. For the coffee, we've ordered a cup of cappuccino and a mocha. We like how our dishes were prepared. The salmon dish is very refreshing–it has this Japanese dish vibe where you have both the savoury and the zesty taste. The cassoulet is very interesting as you have an octopus and chorizo in one dish. The coffee were done very well too. Worth visiting if you are keen to get some brekky...

I am usually not a complainer... but when my friend and I visited Local Press Café, we received really poor service from disinterested staff. I honestly find it hard to remember the quality of the food because the service was so terrible. Felt like there was no real human connection. I've worked in hospitality before - I get it, but it adds so much to a customer's experience if you actually engage and are polite instead of acting like each and every customer is a waste of your time.

Later, when a waitress was clearing the table, I asked if she could leave the jar I bought my juice in, so that I could take it home. I was told no, because they usually wash and re-use (which is fine, and good for the environment - but if I could have bought it and taken it away if I didn't eat in, why couldn't I have kept it when I asked?).

Would be willing to go back if a friend was interested again with an open mind... but I really hope you guys have sorted out your staffing issues. You have a great location, good flow of customers and such...