Barrel Inn — Restaurant in Howick

Had dinner there last night with our family and would have to say it was one of the worst dining experiences I've had. We waited over 1 and a half hours for our mains. When we asked the duty Manger how long they would be his reply was "about this long" indicating with his hands. A pretty rude reply and couldn't even have the courtesy to find out from the kitchen when we could expect our meals. When the meals did appear, 2 came out together and 2 followed some 20 minutes later. The "large" roast pork dinner came with 1 slice of pork which we complained about and they then added a 2nd slice. It looked more like a "small" meal than a large adult serving. The carrots were just about raw - not even cooked and hard to eat. The lamb I had was raw and "pulpy" in the middle and I did not eat all of it. My mother ordered steak and was supplied with a standard "blunt" knife to try and cut it. She struggled through with that. The lamb shanks were reasonable. Altogether the rudness of the Manager and the poor quality of the meals for the price charged was bad value and I would not recommend eating there. There are far better eating places in Howick who welcome your business and patronage. Definitely give...

I wish I could leave no stars but that's impossible, so I give you a 1. We went last night to Barrel Inn. We were there for a substantial amount of time. We went up to the bar at least 40 minutes before 10pm and I asked for a long island iced tea. The bar tender said "I can't be bothered making you one". Then I asked for a tequila sunrise and he said he couldn't be bothered making it for me either, sorry. What kind of bartender can't be bothered making drinks?!? That's like a doctor refusing to save someone's life because "he can't be bothered". The older lady working was incredibly rude. My friend was slightly intoxicated and she refused to give her water and said they were closing now (before 10pm) although once we left, people were still sitting outside the bar for at least another 20 minutes. She could have given her 4 glasses of water in that time. I get it, the staff were mad they had to work after New year's day, but it doesn't excuse the horrible attitudes they gave us. We were willing to spend quite a bit of money there, and will keep in mind to never...

I had the Sunday Roast which comprised lamb and mint jelly, with roasted potato , kūmara, pumpkin together with brócoli , peas and long beans. The meat was ample and tender , the gravy rich, the vegetables not over done but cooked to perfection. At $20 for a small as shown in the photo it was exceptional value and I confess I struggled to finish the plate. I have been before and the large was simply way too much for me. A good selection of tap beers and I chose the Panhead IPA to accompany my meal. Good pub fare not pretentious but tasty and served promptly in good...