Botanic Christchurch — Restaurant in Christchurch

Edit (response): Since you guys are under first table you are classified as a restaurant when booked from that source. In the linked law it states, 'Most restaurants and club premises are undesignated'. Undesignated meaning that anyone of any age can be on the premises. I was not looking to sit in the bar, I was booked in the restaurant; which under law is almost always a 'undesignated' area. I never once tried to order alcohol, and we were booked in for restaurant dining. If you guys describe yourself as a 'bar' (which are almost always a 'supervised' premises), then you should not be under first table, as first table is a restaurant booking website with no age restriction. I know the law around this, which is why its frustrating that you are replying trying to make me look silly instead of addressing the issue and adding this information to your first table account/website.

Original review: Booked on first table, as soon as i stepped in i get told I can’t sit down to have a meal (no alcohol involved?) since i’m not 18, my friend I was with is 21. There’s nothing about this on your guys website, first table profile, not even on your front door. I drove all the way into town, paid for parking, paid the $10 on first table. Please put something on your website about this, as no where does it say your an 18+ venue, you aren’t a nightclub like other places in town so it’s not obvious when booking a place to eat. The guy at the front desk was nice enough about it, but it does sting a little with all the effort it takes to go into town nowadays, there was no alcohol involved so showing an ID shouldn’t have been necessary; and also the fact that there was little to no one in the restaurant ...

I recently went to Botanic for a birthday Bottomless Brunch. When we arrived I asked for an a la carte menu as I was sober driving (two other people weren't drinking too). A very abrupt man told me that "No that's not how it works. Everyone has to pay the $65 whether you are drinking or not." When I argued this and said I could even sit at another table he told me I could take it or leave it. As it was a friend's birthday I could hardly "leave it".

We were told we could have mocktails, but as soon as we ordered one they took away our glasses (which we were using for juice) and were barred from drinking alcohol even though we were paying the $65 anyway. I asked for a coffee as part of the package and was ludicrously told it wasn't part of it and would cost extra. My $65 pasta was very average, with a single scoop of sorbet for dessert, and my water wasn't topped up once. The service was shocking, even before it got busy - the staff didn't want a bar of our group whom would be spending near $1000 at their establishment.

If you're looking for an enjoyable brunch with your friends, steer clear of this place. You can get much better value for money (all inclusive!) and better food at nearby Kaiser Brew Garden or Miro. I understand that with Bottomless Brunches there comes liquor licensing restrictions, but restricting so much so that there are no options for those who aren't drinking seems illogical. It shocks me that there is no sober brunch option available for those with circumstances which mean they can't/won't drink, but want to spend time with their friends or family without paying exorbitant fees (for what is essentially a small meal and juice). If you're going to offer this service,...

70$ bottomless brunch not worth the money for vegetarians or vegans. 🌱 Please read full don’t judge the Botanic straight away!!!

We did the bottomless brunch yesterday. And I want to first of all note that the staff was great and friendly and the location it self is beautiful.

However, I’d like to put in the suggestion that for a vegetarians or vegans the Botanic could handle a different price.. Because 70$ is a lot when there are only 2 dishes off the menu you can eat (excl. the desert and bread). These are shared plates and not full dishes with sides.

I do wand to note that this was part of a birthday party, and that notifying staff in advance might have not been done. For anyone reading this, It makes a big difference if you can note them in advance during booking. FOH staff and the kitchen shouldn’t be expected to preform magic on the spot! However most people won’t think of this and probably wont in the future. Which is why this is directed at the owners and people in charge of the menu pricing.

The FOH staff tried to accommodate me with more food. However it’s the same dishes I already had, falafel, Italian rice cheese balls and some bread.

So having a different price for vegetarians and or vegans would make a big difference. And I’d be happy to go again if this was an option. But as for now I wouldn’t choose the Botanical bottomless brunch in the future.

Side note: They also have alcohol free bubbles, which I think was absolutely amazing.

Other than this is was a great experience. Its really just a suggestion and potentially a fair warning for people in a situation like me.

A big thumbs up for everything else and thanks for...