The Forge Restaurant — Restaurant in Manawatū-Whanganui

Overall, I mostly liked The Forge. I only ate light, pre-made food from the counter cabinet and had a coffee and a tea. Would I dine there again? With the road noise being what it is, probably not, even though the staff ate great and I'd love to sample some food from the main menu. I didn't try the free WiFi. Pro's : staff were friendly, helpful and professional without being snobby. The toilets were spacious and clean. The dining area was clean and tidy and well lit. The cooked food looked very tasty and well presented from what I saw and smelled. There was ample outdoor seating split between the pavement and an open courtyard. My coffee was good, just how I like it. The tea was OK, but the little milk jug made pouring without making a mess a little challenging. Con's : the restaurant itself is quite small and pokey. Fine when it's not full, but during the 4 hours I was there, it got busy and noisy. The construction of the building amplifies noise. The continual hubbub of trucks passing close by meant that even inside my friend and I often had to talk loudly to be heard. I had quite a sore throat after 4 hours of that, so not really a relaxing atmosphere. Dining on the pavement would've made conversation all but impossible I think. None of the tables in the courtyard had sun umbrellas. I like to eat outdoors sometimes, but being blitzed by the sun is a non starter, especially in summer. I felt the decor was a bit haphazard and a little campy. If that was deliberate, then, it worked...

I would give a 0 star if an option. Went on Feb 7th 2020. Do not eat here if coeliac or GF allergy. I asked then what was gf and they told me ( hardly a thing to choose from even though they say on website cater for GF) Then I told them I was coeliac and they said they couldn't promise the cross contamination thing. I said so now I've told you would you use clean tongs, trays etc to make sure it was less likely to cross contaminate, the 2 of them said very rudely NO we won't. I said I will go elsewhere and they need to take off there website they cater for gluten free because there is nothing safe for a coeliac. They didnt seem to care at all. So so rude and Terrible service. Found another superb cafe...

We have called into this cafe a few times driving through Danniverke. Friendly staff nice food. This time it was take away only although we could sit outside. The food was nice but expensive and the take away drinks cost more because they were takeaway... yes it was written on the board but it wasn't clear. It was mixed up withe rest of the menu, this was pointed out to us later. they also gave us large when we didn't ask for large. $5 for a black tea!!!!! I know times are hard with Covid but its a vicious circle when businesses are struggling but also the customer may be struggling. Its getting harder to support...