Aikmans Merivale — Restaurant in Christchurch

A huge disappointment of a night that was supposed to be a mix and mingle night for 16 people to celebrate a special occasion. I even dropped by the day before and agreed with the person in charge on using 3 high tables and chairs in the lounge area inside.

To my surprise when we arrived on the day of the booking we had been given 2 low dining tables with heavy armchairs not enough for all of us to be seated.

Huge disappointment, our friends arrived and had to remain standing for a while, nobody came to assist. We ended up bringing more of these armchairs on our own and squeezed them as the space was too tight. I was humiliating.

The staff at the start said they could move us to the place of the booking where other customers were dining. They promised that they would move the people from 2 high tables in 10-15 minutes. Half an hour later nothing had happened and when our food and drinks arrived it was too late for that. Even then no action from their end, it was all just stalling really.

Later in the night the waiter appeared and said he could move us but in several separate high tables; so very unacceptable. Our mix and mingle night was eventually a night of people stuck like sardines around a long table and those heavy armchairs were so very inappropriate for our...

We normally love this place and location but have stopped going over the last few weeks. A group of us used to have wine after work to celebrate Fridays. After a negative review last year relating to deteriorating poor customer service, it markedly improved. However, with what seems to be a high turnover of new staff it has noticeably slipped again. Even when it is quiet the bar staff gossip amonst themselves and frequently ignore requests for service, be it at the actual bar when we've got sick of waiting, or at the table after 20 minutes! It may not be, but it looks a deliberate can't be bothered, bored response from them.When someone does finally arrive, their approach is often rude or surly even though our request is always cheerful and polite. Neither do we get offered water. As customers we are getting increasingly resentful and frustrated towards this treatment. People like going somewhere where they feel welcomed and a smiling face is going to appear or at least acknowledge you exist.Once again, come on Alikmans!.Employ trained people who actually want to be there and understand the importance of great customer service. It makes a huge difference. We want to come back. You're our local but seriously, you need to lift...

I've been to Aikmans dozens of times over the years and it been great food, service and atmosphere so I was surprised and disappointed that after spending hundreds of dollars there on cup day, I was asked to leave while simply standing there taking to a friend. The security staff claim i was seen leaning against something which made no sense to me. Yes, we had all been drinking the cocktails and champagne that came with our $75 ticket, but in no way was i out of control. At the same time I was asked to leave, another middle aged white guy was also kicked out, much to his confusion also. It seemed to me and the other 19 people that I was with, that Aikmans were getting rid of the older crowd to make room for the young ones coming from the races. It was a very disappointing end to a great day. Aikmans need to rein in their over zealous rent a cops who think they are more important...