Hidden Pocket Billiards, Bar & Bistro — Restaurant in Winnipeg

I used to enjoy this place when it was The Hangar, but since the name change to Hidden Pocket (which, let’s be honest, raises some questionable connotations), things have gone downhill fast. If they had spent their money fixing up the pool tables instead of putting up new signs, we might not be here. But alas, here we are.

I’d seen the complaints about $40/hour pool, so I asked the waitress about the pricing. She told me it’s $18/hour—but then went on to detail how dysfunctional this place has become. Apparently, they’ve changed their tipping structure so that tips now apply to the total bill, including the pool rental. Seriously? Tipping on a pool fee? Even the waitress admitted it’s bizarre, and some staff are skipping pool charges altogether just to keep tips reasonable.

It sounds like the owner is out of touch. Instead of appreciating the young, money-spending crowd that keeps this place alive, they seem intent on driving them away in favour of some mysterious “older clientele.” The result? A chaotic environment where staff look completely overwhelmed.

Bar Rescue, where are you when we need you? It’s such a shame to see a once-great spot unravel like this....

I came here to resolve a refund issue because I was charged the wrong amount, and despite being told it was refunded, I never received anything. When I tried to address this, I had the unfortunate experience of dealing with someone named Robin. His behavior was unbelievably rude, arrogant, and completely unprofessional. He made me wait, claiming I didn’t arrive at my appointment time, as if this place is some kind of courtroom and he’s a judge. Newsflash, Robin: you’re not a lawyer, not a judge, and certainly not above your customers.

Instead of fixing your own mistake of charging the wrong amount, you chose to waste my time and talk down to me with an attitude that has no place in customer service. If this is how you treat paying customers, then it’s no surprise people will think twice before ever coming here again. Businesses are supposed to solve problems, not create them and if Robin is the face of this place, then professionalism clearly...

been there lots when it was the hangar. food and drinks were not anything special. neither was the service. now theyve rebranded and apparently theyre a "bistro" now...

i wonder if thats how they justify doubling the price of an hour of pool to 40$. it was 18$ for an hour back before they rebranded, and was 14$ a couple years ago. i wonder if since the price has doubled if the quality has also doubled? surely it has..! its not like theyre using the exact same pool tables... right..?

the pool was the only reason to go there. i think theyve realized that. not sure how this is a good business...