No. 186 Cafe — Restaurant in Christchurch

Review in one sentence: same menu, name, and price, with new owners and food that seems a lot worse than it used to be.

This cafe used to be one of my go-to’s. I love supporting individually-owned businesses instead of chains, and the food/coffee here used to be amazing. Would genuinely rave about it to my friends. After my visit today, I don’t think I’d recommend this cafe to anyone who doesn’t want to be ripped off or misled.

The service was okay and the coffee was okay, but the food was awful. I ordered the $27 pancake stack: “Three fluffy pancakes served with orange flavoured mascarpone, orange syrup and a side of whipped cream with white chocolate”. You couldn’t make pancakes more dense and dry if you tried, there was no mascarpone or orange syrup, and around the sides were random sliced fruits with defrosted berries. Pretty sure the whipped cream was the Pams brand in a can. Was nowhere near worth paying just a bit more than 1 hour of living-wage work for. If a child ordered these pancakes, I’m convinced they’d cry.

The second item I ordered was the $21.50 Loaded Wedges with “Sliced bacon, cheese, and drizzled house-made aioli on top”. What I was given wasn’t that bad, as you’d have to try really hard to stuff up potatoes. But, there was no bacon. Instead I was given something more reminiscent of the cheapest kind of sliced deli ham you could find in a supermarket. Instead of drizzled aioli on top, I was given about a tablespoon amount on a mini plate placed on top of the wedges.

Upon asking the woman working, I found out that the owners have changed.

For the sake of the business, I’d suggest updating the menu to what you’re actually going to serve...

I used to visit here nearly everyday, sometimes more than once a day, however I have found myself not frequenting here as often anymore. I normally would go here for my coffee fixes, but they have not been very nice the last few months. For the price of $7.20 for a bowl size I would expect they are of good quality, but they just haven't been up to scratch, like everyone you work hard for your money. As i was a frequent customer I always felt welcomed, greeted with a smile (even under a mask) and could always have chat etc now I walk in there and feel non existent, hand over your money and take a number and wait for your order. A few times I have noticed that my card has not been getting stamped even though I've told the new staff who I am and tat I have a loyalty card. I know there has been a few staff changes here, but that sort of friendliness really set this wee Cafe apart from the rest, felt like it was really friendly and welcoming and the staff were always engaged in conversationand up for a laugh. Hopefully some training can be given and it can be the way it once was. I know things have been difficult these last few months for the hospitality industry, so im just writing this here so you guys know how some customers may be feeling, as even the vibe when you walk in just feels different. No doubt I will still come back every so often and try it out....

13th June 2020 - Having breakfast with my daughter. When we arrived, the place was nicely warm and comfortable compared to the outside which was a bit chilly.

Anyway, when we sat down, we ordered Chai Latte, chocolate 🍫 milkshake, classic pancakes 🥞 and egg benedict with two shoulder bacon. One word to describe the overall egg benedict taste: Delicious 😋.

As you can see, the egg 🥚 was done perfectly as the egg 🥚 yoke was still runny while cooked on the outside when you cut it. It was fabulous to see and eat (for me).

Overall, it was a good experience from this cafe.

This is a licensed (🍻🍸🍷🍾🍹🍺) eatery.

There is plenty of in-house and outdoor seating area.

There is plenty of onsite and off-site parking 🅿. They accept cash and EFTPOS including credit card payments (Paywave payments are available, for those who want to know).

Would I go back? Yes 😀.

Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5. It was yummy. Price: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5. Reasonably priced. Customer service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5. The staff were friendly.

Disclaimer: Please note that this review is entirely based on my personal experience at the time of the visit (13th June 2020). You might have a different experience than me and also, the food may or may...