Mona Vale Homestead — Restaurant in Christchurch

We were looking forward to our High Tea at Mona Vale but unfortunately it was not a good experience. On arrival we were seated and told to choose our drink option( tea or coffee) which we did and that our scones with cream and jam would come out. The tea arrived and half an hour later we were still waiting for food and had drunk the tea. Eventually after asking several waitresses our high tea arrived with a scone included but no jam or cream. This came after we asked for it and also a clean cup ( also requested before pouring the tea) While waiting for the food to arrive we were beginning to feel stressed so thought a glass of wine might help. We requested this ( bubbles had run out) so got a Rose and once again it didn't arrive. We were halfway through our food before going up to the counter to look for it. The positives were that the food was good and the very young staff did their best but were just overworked. This was a Grabone treat and I think that Mona Vale should only offer the number of sittings that they can manage with their staff numbers. I have had several other High Teas at other places and this would rate the lowest unfortunately.To add to these problems we also had a wobbly table and the rubbish tin in the Toilets was over flowing right out onto the floor. This was not the Special Treat planned for my...

Went for a high tea with friends for birthdays at Mona Vale Cafe. Having had previous high teas at other places, this high tea was disappointing considering the exorbitant price of $60 which didn't include bubbles. It included a hot or cold non-alcoholic drink, one plain white bread club sandwich with ham in it that was not even ham off the bone and then just had a spread for the other layer, one small plain scone with jam and cream, one wonton type savoury that was nice, one small piece of special bread with seeds on it like a piece of garlic bread, one small ball of something that after one bite we all agreed tasted awful which we all did not eat, one sort of half friand, two cakes that were mediocre, and one macaroon that was very sweet but nice. Things in the main cabinet looked nicer. For that price, I would have expected everything, each piece to be exquisite and more quality. There was a vegetarian option which sounded nicer, going by comments of the person in our group who had it. Service was lovely, but the food was a let down. If you are searching for high teas, I would go elsewhere for better prices and quality. There are some lovely high tea...

Beautiful Setting, Disappointing High Tea

Four of us recently had high tea at Mona Vale Homestead & Pantry, paying $60 per person through online booking. While the historic venue and gardens are stunning, the experience fell well short of expectations.

Service was slow and inattentive, with long waits. The food was ordinary — lacking the creativity, freshness, and flair that a high tea at this price should deliver. It felt more like a missed opportunity than a special occasion.

The saving grace was the temporary manager, who was attentive, apologetic, and made a genuine effort to address the issues. Her professionalism stood out amid an otherwise disappointing afternoon.

Sadly, based on our experience — and what others have also reported — Mona Vale seems to be trading on its setting rather than earning its reputation through service and quality. Until significant improvements are made, it’s hard...