Darwin Ski Club — Restaurant in Northern Territory

Ski Club has been my favorite place for sunset beers and dinner since I arrived here in Darwin 5 years ago. Last October I decided to celebrate my 30th here but it was a complete disaster and I have sadly not returned since.

Anais the bar manager was nice and easy to deal with leading up to my party. I had to pay for Ski Club membership and pay a small fee for decorations which was fine. She informed me the week before that they had been asked to host an Oktoberfest event the night of my Birthday but assured me not to worry, they weren't expecting that many people and would have plenty of staff on the night.

On the night, the place was completely packed out and a small corner closed off for my group. I asked a lady on the bar for my membership card and she said she had no idea where it was or how I would get it as she doesn't normally work there. Asked to speak with Anais a few times but she didn't seem to be around. No membership discounts despite being forced to sign up for one. My guests had to queue 40 minutes for an overpriced glass of beer- at Oktoberfest prices.

There were a couple of guys hovering around the heaps of leftover food at the end of the night and asked to take it away. I asked if they would please put it in the fridge along with my cake and cupcakes and they said they would.

Returned the next day to pick up the food and all the cupcakes and cake were still sitting out on the tables, melting in the sun and none of the leftover food was refrigerated. I was so disappointed and sent Anais a text about it to which she replied "I'm sorry that they didn't use their brains".

I sent another text the next day saying how annoyed and disappointed I was about everything to which I received a text from Paul the Vice President saying that texting the bar manager was not the correct conduit and he would be happy to meet and discuss with me in a short meeting with him and the president and asked to confirm my availability.

I understood I probably should have called and it would have been the more professional approach but I'm not the "can I speak to your manager" type. I just wanted an apology which I never received..

I sent Paul the dates I was available to meet and he never replied. Tried to call him and he didn't answer.

One star for the food which was the...

We booked for 15 people for 700 when we arrived we were told our table was down the back to which there was a couple of tables pushed together and they had tried to squished in enough chairs for our group. When we ordered we were told there would be a 45 Min wait for food and they did not have any schnitzels, garlic bread and a few other items on the menu, that was fine we would just order what they did have, well over an hour and a half some of our group got their very mediocre food and the rest of us got nothing, some got their money back and others got a occy salad that only had lettuce in it nothing else and I'm not even joking. Never again this place is terrible and when my dad asked for a piece of fish he was told no they didn't have any but another person from our table went and ordered the fish and they put it through. So disappointed as we were recommended to go there. If you want a good feed and value for money and people that actually know what they are doing...

Dropped in after a morning scooting around with the kids for a soft drink and a packet of chips. Stood at the bar for service and was met by a rude staff member who asked if I had been here before, to which I replied yes. In response I was told that I should know that this is a non service area (bar was empty btw) and he walked away. I walked around to the service area and had to wait for another staff member to serve me as old mate walked off (still no one else at the bar). After a while another bloke turns up and I was able to order a soft drink and a packet of chips, which were thrown on the bar in front of me without even a grunt. As a long time Darwin local this was a very disappointing interaction. You guys have a great spot. Epic sunsets etc. Beats working in an office. But you need to sort your customer service out. Cheer up. If you don't want to be hospitable to customers as the word and industry of hospitality suggests maybe you should do...