Botany Commons — Restaurant in Howick

I have eaten here for dinner once before as I live 5 mins away and found the food average, nothing amazing but didn’t feel enticed enough to leave a review about it because the meal wasn’t bad - just average service was okay but nothing amazing.

However last night we came for some drinks and to see the live band - after 4 beers my mate was kicked out due to being “over intoxicated”. What I find funny is that there was a female who was very obviously much more wasted than he was, had even smashed a glass and was walking around with the bar’s mop sign on her head. When she smashed the glass the staff even helped her tidy it and said absolutely nothing to her. At no point was she kicked out or even spoken to yet if the bar has such a strict “no intoxication” policy why was he kicked out and not this lady? He was very well behaved and was friendly with the staff - not rude at all. I saw below that the Manager decided to kick him out because he was slurring and his eyes were bloodshot. This annoys me because as someone who almost always has bloodshot eyes due to allergies he shouldn’t have used that as a reason to kick him out especially since he was behaving and I bet many of the other patrons were also slurring too.

The Manager completely glazed over that key comment in my mate’s review below regarding this lady being allowed to stay inside the venue which is convenient. Would’ve understood a bit more if that lady had been kicked out as soon as she started acting foolish. Yes he didn’t question the bouncers decision outside when he was told to leave initially because why would he? That’s disrespectful and obviously the bouncers word is always the final one. Yes I understand the fear of getting a fine due to drunk patrons however you must make it fair and kick out everyone who is obviously intoxicated and not cherry pick! Won’t be back.

Edit after your response: Still cherry picking. Maybe it was because she was older you guys allowed her to stay and in my opinion establishments are known to pick on men a lot. Need to make sure one rule applies for all and not pick and choose when it suits you guys because it was very obvious that was the case here. Sure he yelled that out after your bouncer lied and said that it was the Manager (yourself) that was kicking him out but then you both back tracked and said no it was actually the bouncers decision so you both lied to him. He was frustrated because of the lack of decent reasoning behind him being kicked out and for the behaviour of the other patron. Also it was very clearly obvious that the group that the lady was a part of was intoxicated, you are lying. How does a glass just “fall off” a table? My mate was actually sitting right across from them and clearly saw her knock it over. Just stop lying to save face, it’s gross.

Edit: Cherry...

Disappointed when my mum ordered a Double shot Bailey's with milk, it came in a glass almost as tall as a Milkshake. There was absolutely not a hint of Bailey's. When we told the waitress she returned it to the bar. Young lady from bar comes to the table to reassure us that there is Bailey's in the drink because she made it herself. We questioned why they had put it in a GIANT glass? She responded with "Did you specify you didn't want a tall glass!" Then said if we wanted it stronger we would have to order another double shot on the rocks and add it to the glass she had made. And we would be charged for both. We just sent the drink back and still got charged.

When ordering our waitress advised we could have a single or a double. The problem is the fact it was put into a GIANT glass of milk. Surely your bartenders should know about flavours/strength of drinks. The ratio for the drink was totally out-of proportion. And the fact the young lady was so rude about the fact she had put the Bailey's in! And that we should of specified what cup we wanted! First of all cup size options were not given to us when ordering. The fact that you have made the response that we received the legal amout as your main response shows you don't see the actual problem!! It was mixed incorrectly, she obviously doesn't know ratio, and the drink should have been made again in a glass half the size. Doubt I would come back or...

My last review was a couple of years ago and even though we have frequented this restaurant and bar on a regular basis before and after that review I haven't reviewed as life is busy! However I should have because life is soo busy!! When we need to relax and re-energize having a place near by to go and do so and know you will always be looked after with good food, service and atmosphere is very important. I guess because it is a go to venue for us we forget that feedback for great service is important to encourage the hospitality business and let other patrons know how well specific eateries are doing. My recent visit was specifically to devour one of Botany Commons famous Steaks. My favorite the Eye Fillet Steak served with Truffle Parmesan smashed Potatoes and Bourban Mushroom sauce. This was indeed a PLEASURE to eat. Their steaks are very well prepared and cooked to your preference. The accompanying Speciality Potatoes and Mushroom sauce were wonderful. The whole dish was just too good!!! We now and then pop in while shopping in the surrounding Botany mall for a quick lunch pizza with a beer/wine or for some of the many other delicious offerings or to watch the big game with a meal or for a relaxing dinner always looked after by friendly and professional staff. Thanks to the team at Botany...