Cocoa Black Merivale — Restaurant in Christchurch

The coffee and food is decent here, unless they serve you a burnt scone or scroll which has happened a couple of times to me and others evidently. I never said anything at the time as I think I was just a bit shocked. But that aside the customer service is appalling and this is arguably half the experience. I come here several times a week and they wouldn’t even know my name or even bother to greet me in a personal way.

Today they were quite rude after I asked to drink my coffee after 3pm even though they close at 330 apparently they only do takeaway after 3 even if that is not stipulated anywhere.

I reminded them I support their business regularly and they still were reluctant to allow me to stay in even though there were other people also still there drinking coffee. I just felt very unwelcome. If they are dead firm about this they need to put that on the door takeaway after 3 only.

I just don’t understand people these days. If I owned a customer faced business like this I would with pleasure treat my customers like family especially regulars because without them I have no business.

Hopefully this review will make them think about this as it is clearly letting them down according to other...

I hope my experience is a one off. I visited 4 different times trying to buy a vegetarian option but always sold out. Finally the last time I decided to just buy a scone. They burnt the scone while heating it, but I didn't mind so much I was just looking forward taking a moment to sit and eat/drink. But then the staff started putting up the chairs on the tables and getting the cafe ready to close, it was maybe 10mins before 3 and they close at 3:30! Just made me feel unwelcome so I left. Seems like a really nice place but I unfortunately...

So lovely every time I go there, cheese scones are the best in town and recently tried the chicken toasties...delish !!!! The coffees are always hot and perfect strength and I really like the staff that work there now. I have gone here a lot over the years and sometimes the staff used to be a bit un interested with customers. I guess the great staff there now are down to the management and the owner is really nice, friendly and attentive. I will be back again...