Hawthorn Dene Historic Country Cafe — Restaurant in Howick

Food is ok. Service is lacking. Very unorganized bunch; poorly run. The first time we came it was a similar experience, but today we thought we'd give it another chance as it's a cute cottage setting and we live in the area, but no, its a place we now won't be recommending. First, I called to make a reservation, the man had a thick Asian accent (Asian owned and run establishment I have learned) and couldn't understand what I was saying. Frustrating. When we arrived there seemed to be no particular reserved table for us- just pick one! And there was no hello or welcome from the staff when we came in. We stood awkwardly there as the staff tried to figure out who would talk to us. When we ordered I asked for my drink to come out first and right away if possible as this is the kind of cafe that unfortunately still brings drinks with the food. With the amount of research that has come out over the years about how drinking with your food is bad for health, most cafes have changed to now bringing your drink out shortly after you sit down. Plus, you need something to occupy your time before the meal comes. Some would say it's common sense. It was a cold rainy day and we were sat out on the veranda so I ordered a hot chocolate. It came unfortunately with the meal. I took one sip...and it sat there. I also felt sick afterward as I asked for my hot chocolate to be made DF and they said they would make it with Almond milk. I could taste the milk, and my stomach was immediately in knots. I believe they forgot to make it dairy free. It's also made from the Cadbury powder you get in the grocery store so if you're looking for something homemade this is not it. Prior, I asked them to check the chocolate powder ingredients to make sure there was no milk ingredients- so I know the powder was not the culprit. When our meal came there was no seasoning (which is fine), but shouldn't tables have Salt and Pepper? This happened last time we were here. We both looked around. No tables had any. We got up to ask for S&P (there's no table service here) and were given the little packets of salt and pepper that one finds when you get fast food. Its obvious they do not feel embarrassed giving these out. We left as soon...

The staff are amazing - attentive, kind, considerate and helpful. The atmosphere is gorgeous - a picturesque sprawling garden complete with a tire swing for lazy summer day brunching. My food and drinks however, were awful. I had the smashed avocado and poached eggs on toast and the avo tasted as though it were mixed with salad cream or cool whip and sugar. The beetroot hummus was also cloying so overall it was inedible. I don’t understand why people mess about with the classics. I also thought having only one egg for the price was a bit mean. I had to send it back and just had plain eggs on toast instead. I wish the menu would have specified the saccharine eccentricities. My partner had the full English and said it was good but they should have also listed that the mushroom would come with cream. The iced coffee I had was another sugary debacle. I asked for an iced coffee with a bit of coconut milk and what came was topped with whipped cream and full of some kind of vanilla powder that thickened it up like a sweet milkshake. The staff were really good about my issues. If you have a sweet tooth I think this would be great - the cabinet food looks...

Atmosphere is relaxing in this lovely old home. Great for families, or a small catchup with friends or partner. Our eggs benedict was $18 me and my hubby shared this it was enough for the both of us today.

$18 for this meal is steep, when the plate given with the food is very minimal. 2x English muffins, 2 poached eggs, spinach, sauce, 2-3 strips of bacon isn't worth the price. I would next time, order something small from display saving me a whole lot of money.

On a hot day in auckland the house within is very cooled air, with the house being ancient its perfect if you prefer not being baked under the sun is to easily choose a table in the house.. The tables and seating area outside me and my hub chose, was under the trees & this was serene. Its surprising to think this place is in East Auckland on a busy street of Botany. When you arrive here, this place tucks you away quietly and gently away from mayhem ..

I do recommend you try this place and get a good grasp of food, & ...