Speight's Ale House Tower Junction — Restaurant in Christchurch

Had dinner in Speights Ale house last night, whilst I cannot fault the food the service was dismal. On sitting down was handed a menu and given 5 mins to choose, ask waiter to come back in 5 mins, which he did 30 mins later and only because I asked a waitress who was cleaning a table beside me. Took out order, food arrived and really nice. When the waiter was clearing our table I asked for another wine, which I never received so after 40 min waiting on wine went downstairs to pay the bill and told the waiter I never received my wine which he replied do you want it now, as I was paying!!!. During the meal was never offered coffee of dessert or in fact even another drink!!!. Best part of evening I asked for the bill to be told I could not see the print out before I had paid!!!!I had to pay first and then receive my bill, I questioned this and asked what if the bill in incorrect as was assuming this would happen due to the poor service, to be told if there was a problem I had to pay first and be refunded after. I was appalled by this service, have friends over from Australia and was so looking forward to our night out. Service is lacking 100%, during the time we were waiting to order I was looking down on the staff all standing around chatting and having coffee in the bar. I was a paying customer who was never afforded that luxury!!!!You have lost my custom as the overall experience was very dissapointing as it was a very expensive night, $136.00 for 3 meals and 3...

First of all, I will say I love the food at Speights Ale Houses so for my wife and I stopping at this particular restaurant for the first time, we already had an image of what to expect

When entering premises, there was no one to great us or even to ask if we could get a table. When we did get someone to seat us, the young lady had a real "I can't be bothered" attitude. While we sat at the table we observed 5-6 staff members standing around the reservation desk talking/joking as there was nothing to do. A big big no no when you work in any establishment, all the while no one had taken a drinks order or a food order. So when we did finally get our order taken along with our drinks, the drinks order didn't turn up until after our starters, because I queried it.

The main course was tasty but to be honest I could just about say it was warm, not quite cold and not piping hot either. I've had the dish before in another Speights' restaurant so know how it should be presented.

I would like to say though, my hat goes off to the one young guy who was working his ass off in behind the bar and serving food while the other staff stood around chatting. From what I seen, it appeared there was no senior staff member working on this particular night or if there was they definitely were not doing their job correctly. (Night of 10/11/2016) Staff definitely let themselves down a bagful on...

We had a little over a week to spend in Christchurch. We loved our first visit to Speight's we went back twice more. Highlights: Excellent Quality local food, efficient, fun, informative staff who engage you in your experience and help you choose from the exhausting array of awesome food and drink.

Do Try: The Seasonal brews - while the brew menu is static (but very very tasty) there are different brews available. Three pints were very ummm filling - yes - filling

The Dark Cherry Chicken Ballotine - a little sweet for some tastes perhaps but I found it just right - You have to experience this dish - an excellent example of a combination of competing flavours and textures combined to make eating a new experience all over again

The Roar - Venison can be a strange taste experience, but this dish was done so well. Medium rare as it should be but with the right amount of grill on the outer edges and again, the right selection of accompaniment.

Don't come here and eat what you eat at home, but even if you do, you're going to enjoy it.

Criticisms?: The only one I could think of was the price was a little high - but the quality was equally high so no regrets paying what perfect food and service is worth.

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