Bake and Brew — Restaurant in Hibiscus and Bays

I finished work early and fancied my favourite seafood chowder at Bak’N’Brew. So good on previous occasions. This time, what a disappointment. I’ll start at the beginning. Upon arrival at around midday, we entered and looked for a server (as previously have been greeted and sat down). We sat at a dirty table and waited. I had to call someone over for menus and service. My husband ordered a seafood pizza & I ordered the chowder and a bowl of chips. When my food arrived, I was so disappointed with the chowder. It had barely any seafood in it (all tiny pieces) and absolutely no flavour - bland. I added salt, but the flavour didn’t improve. My husband said his pizza base was under cooked and the seafood topping had no flavour. I left half of my chowder (and I was very hungry). My husband did take some of his pizza, figuring he would fry it & add some chilli later. Upon leaving, I had a great deal of trouble trying to get a container and approached the kitchen, who told me to go to the counter - with a bit of an attitude. I wonder if the premises has...

I remember when the cafe staff were less stressed and able to recall orders. I remember when the owner had the small bakery and then took over the Mexican restaurant to build B&B, yes thats me a local who’s been a supporter of these small businesses with my family since 2006.. however I will not be returning to Bake and Brew after placing an order and waiting 25 mins whilst others after me received theres…several customers came to speak to me who placed orders after mine and were leaving with there goods asking why I had not received mine? Thanks to the community who identified that there is something seriously lost with the cambodian women taking the orders (Helen I think her name is), she spoke to me as though she has some type of authority.. but I know who the owner is, and its not you..you are damaging the owners reputation by pretending to be “somebody” and your just the cashier at the till. Stay in your lane.

My family, brothers and nephews (who occasionally worked at this cafe) won’t be returning and we have lived in the...

Our family of four came upon this place by chance looking for coffee. Once we went in and saw their baked goods, we had to sit down and try their delights! The cafe is roomy inside and fairly basic but clean and tidy. We were there during the Asian Cultural Festival so it was Very Busy. Although clearly under pressure, the staff were friendly and efficient , checking our order and getting it out to us in great time. The coffee was good and strong and the food was delicious and great portions! All four of us enjoyed our treats, would order them again and recommend to a friend! We had the apple pie, custard pie, jam doughnut and custard Cronut. As far as we could tell, they were all made in shop... The custard pie in particular had actual custard in it, rather than the packet mix from Gilmour's! If we are ever in or driving through Orewa again, we will make a point of stopping...