The Bower — Restaurant in Christchurch

I have been here and had an OK time, but just read the news article that the owners are apparently oblivious to the year we’re living in. They allowed two idiots (racists) an award (best dressed) for wearing black face. It’s 2023. I’m sure I don’t need to remind any readers that blackness is not a joke.

"The ability to be ignorant, to be unaware of the history and consequences of racial bigotry, to simply do as one pleases, is a quintessential element of privilege. The ability to disparage, to demonize, to ridicule, and to engage in racially hurtful practices from the comfort of one's segregated neighborhoods and racially homogeneous schools reflects both privilege and power. The ability to blame others for being oversensitive, for playing the race card, or for making much ado about nothing are privileges codified structurally and culturally." - Dr....

Terrible service. We had a first table booked at max of four people, so I called earlier in the day and asked if my 4 year old could be added on but I will pay full price for him. Didn't seem to be an issue until we got there, lady came over very aggressively. Said that the guy on the phone told her he said to me no... wasn't sure what the issue was with what I was wanting anyway and for her to have such an attitude towards me over nothing in front of other diners and my friends really embarrassed me. Her and the other staff were then screaming at each other over it in the kitchen. Weird atmosphere from the staff for the rest of the night, they then over charged us 🙄 wish we never spent any money here, people should not be in customer service if they can't handle being nice? Will not be...

It's a pity, it could be really good but its not. The environment is nice enough, gigantic beer garden is very pleasant, quirky tropical island theme. I dropped in for dinner on a Friday night, the clientele is mostly hi vis tradies after work, and the general banter is pretty rough, so I'd think twice about bringing the kids down for dinner. Service was rubbish, a very "don't care" attitude from the staff, and my order mixed up with another one, care factor none, annoying. The food was actually pretty good, I had the rump steak and it was generous and done well. So the kitchen staff have got it going on, but let down by the rest of the establishment. Not hurrying...