The Portland Public House — Restaurant in Albert-Eden

We have always loved Portland’s, in special when live gigs were on. Last night, we were there early, having a few drinks and chips, and looking forward to the jam session. Everything was great, we had a table close to the stage, the musicians were setting up, and we moved our table away from the stage as much as we could. Once the music started, we were surprised by the bar staff very rudely wanting to take away our tables and chairs, even though we still had food and drinks on the table! And by the way, the venue was only half full, so that was totally unnecessary. I’ve tried to negotiate with the staff, as I couldn’t understand why he was being so harsh with us, after we were there for a couple of hours enjoying our food and drinks. I’ve asked if he could just leave one table and our 2 chairs while we were finishing our food, but he totally shoved us out. Our chips ended up wasted on the ground, and we had to leave. We were never before treated so badly, we were very upset. We went back in to ask him the reason, and he said the sax player, who was the leader of the band, pressured him to do it! A SIMPLE WARNING WHEN WE FIRST SAT ON THE TABLE, LETTING US KNOW BY 9PM WE WOULD HAVE TO VACATE THE TABLE, WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY EFFECTIVE. The whole chaos ruined our night, and we won’t be returning to Portland’s ever again. No matter the reason behind it, nothing excuse treating customers (or any decent human...

Went to this pub to have couple of cocktails after Birthday dinner in nearby restaurant. Had a great night until we decided to pop into the Portland Public House. We have been to this place about a year ago and it was never a great pub, but an Okay place to have a drink and move on. We bought two cocktails, and after that we asked the bartender to mix us another cocktail and got charged over $30 for it, for one small drink. The explanation of the cost was that since the cocktail is not on the list they will charge it per amount of shots they used to make it. Bar attendant was not friendly either and seemed to be annoyed by having to explain us the cost. Not to mention his face when we asked to make something that was not on the list. Is it too much to ask in a bar? There was not even shaking involved, he just had to pour few ingredients in a glass. When we asked about what time the live music will start, bar staff looked annoyed and couldn't answer either. A smile or a joke would go a long way, guys. It ruined the end of our night out, more the attitude than the cost. Bar staff needs to remember that they have chosen to work in a bar and it normally involves customer service and friendly attitude. I don't think we will ever go to this place again after this. I don't want to feel guilty for asking for a cocktail or why it cost over...

Strange group, every core open mic host over the last 10 years has banned me from there or their satellite music groups, and slowly as they host other venues I'm banned at those too. Tim Prier, Jono Annandale, Emma Barton, Edwin Judd, the Portland Management, and Maia (she apologized, thankyou) have all banned me. Just last week was the last ban, hence my feedback. Speak up, thrown out, question online, blocked, call, hang up etc. Not my most enjoyable NZ music month experience. Result is Myself and Drop Spindle are not welcome, or part of the Auckland Central grass roots open mic scene, or "fam" as they call it, and it's a remarkably close group, but they must watch it's not more of a Cult than Family, as they tend to pack and exclude difference. Not sinister, no sacrifices at the alter, touch wood, but the sacrifice could be free thinking? I don't take offense, I have a wonderful peer group, but just a note, events held there won't suit all. From a business perspective, banning customers is usually kept for criminal behavior, an open, welcoming venue is one with a good vibe, and good profits. Maybe keep that in...