Two Fat Possums — Restaurant in Canterbury

We recently visited Two Fat Possums to celebrate a very special occasion, but unfortunately, our experience this time was deeply disappointing. We feel compelled to share our feedback here, as no one during our visit took the time to check in with us or ask how our meal was.

To begin with the positives: the lady who greeted us at the door—presumably the duty manager—was warm and welcoming. She made a genuinely kind first impression. Unfortunately, the service quickly declined after that during interactions with other staff.

There appeared to be a lack of communication among the wait staff. Within moments of sitting down, we were approached multiple times in quick succession by different staff members asking for our drink order. When we politely explained—again—that we hadn’t even looked at the menu yet, one young waitress reacted quite unprofessionally, pulling a face like a sour lemon, spinning around on her heel and walking away abruptly in a huff. This left us feeling unwelcome, as though we were an inconvenience rather than guests.

When we were finally ready to order, the same waitress repeatedly served other tables and clearly went out of her way to avoid ours, despite my partner going out of his way to get her attention. Thankfully, another waitress eventually noticed her avoidance of our table and took our order.

After our food arrived, no one returned to check on us—not to offer water, clear glasses/plates, or see if we wanted dessert or any more drinks. When we went to pay, no one asked how our meal was or even made eye contact. It left us feeling like we were invisible for most of the evening. Not to mention, we were seated next to a window and it was freezing inside the restaurant.

As for the food and drinks:

• We were never offered water throughout the meal. • The specialty shake we ordered was $13 and served in a small mason jar—very underwhelming for the price and size, this was a let down. • The lamb shoulder, however, was absolutely fantastic—tender, flavorful, and beautifully done. It was the clear and only highlight of the evening. • The “West Meaton” pizza, unfortunately, did not meet expectations. The tomato base was extremely bitter and tasted like canned tomato. For anyone not keen on overly strong tomato flavors, I would advise skipping the pizza. • The seasoned fries with mozzarella and gravy were served stone cold, and drowned in what appeared to be chicken salt. The mozzarella and chips had solidified into one large cold mass, and the gravy was lukewarm at best. With no attentive staff around, we weren’t able to send it back to be reheated in the microwave.

It wasn’t particularly busy during our visit as we came earlier in the evening, so the disorganized service and lack of attention were surprising. It seemed like the waitstaff didn’t have a system or designated sections in the restaurant they were looking after, leading to confusion and gaps in service. Some basic training around communication, table assignments, and the order of service would go a long way in improving the dining experience.

Aside from the lovely greeting from the woman at the door and the lamb dish, we were deeply disappointed with the rest of our meal and the overall treatment. We spent over $100 on this evening, having saved up for what we hoped would be a memorable experience. Unfortunately, we left feeling frustrated and let down. I left hungry, and my partner ate cold food out of necessity, as we couldn’t afford to eat again elsewhere as we’d spent all our money for this night here.

Sadly, we won’t be returning, especially considering how far below expectations this visit fell compared to previous ones. We hope you take this feedback on board so other guests can have the experience we...

Absolutely awesome, $20 lunch roasts have been added to their menu. Service was prompt and meal wait time was not long, before it was on the table. A good selection of vegetables and very tender roast meat on my plate. Being a senior, not eating large meals anymore and not cooking for myself much the past 5 years, this portion provided, was 2 meals for me, so I got a lunch to take home, for the next day as well. Being in West Melton, the restaurant is a 15 minute drive from my house, so not much more than the restaurants in ChCh, where I pick up food to bring home, twice a week. I have not been to this restaurant for 3 years, due to ill health, but obviously the food standards and service, is still as good as it always was, when I went there regularly before that time. Next on the list will be a steak and vegetables. 😀 If you have not been to Two Fat Possums in West Melton, then I suggest you try...

Very disappointed. Had a takeaway pizza for the first time last night, ordered a pulled pork pizza and payed $28.00 and I don't have a problem with paying these prices but I do when we got it home and saw it was made on a piece of Nan bread and was looking for the toppings. At this price I would of liked to think the base would of been homemade and there was some pork on it or even some cheese and there was no taste at all. I have had some extremely nice pizzas over the years and payed more and less for them but this was extremely disappointing and have no idea how you have the audacity to charge such outrageous high prices for something my granddaughter could make better. I understand that we are a small country township and you would have some very high overheads etc but wouldn't you like to have people returning for great pizzas and having them as your free...