Roadhouse Bar and Grill — Restaurant in North Island

Organised to do something a little different with a bunch of friends and got up early to go watch the AB's vs France game over drinks and food at this establishment. all was well and we were all looking forward to it. We hadn't been to Champellis before but had called ahead to be sure they would be showing the game and be open. Got there and it was empty, paid for the first round of drinks and was told the menu food wasn't available, only breakfast (which wasn't on the menu and no description of what that was only the quite expensive price tag). I noticed the pizza oven was already aflame when we walked in, but when I inquired and before the bar service staff could answer we were cut off very flatly from across the bar by what I can only assume is the owner of this rather sad establishment - "just the breakfast mate". the tone and delivery was what I can only describe as rude and almost threatening.

A bit bewildered at what could have caused us such treatment as a customer who had just walked in, dressed appropriately and quite obviously about to put a few hundred dollars across the till, I then sat down at a seat next to the first of 3 cabs full of friends soon to arrive over the next 10-15 minute before the game started. No sooner had my but hit the seat that same rude loud voice boomed out from the kitchen "NO! RESERVED! THAT TABLE IS RESERVED, SIT SOMEWHERE ELSE" looking over to where the voice had come from I was met with a look from this guy that unmistakably suggested F... You pal. I looked around the empty bar a little shocked and then to the table I was at and sure enough there is a tiny sign saying 'reserved' I hadn't noticed it and had no problem moving to the several other empty tables but as I did, the owner took the extra trouble to lean out of the kitchen service window to further insult me in front of my wife and friends "That's why I put the sign there in the first place."

I'd love to tell you what the breakfast was or what the food might have been like but needless to say I walked out at that point, found another bar that was far its superior and only a short walk away, came promptly back and took everyone with me over to the other bar. Never would I even consider stepping foot at this unprofessional dive again and will suggest that to anyone who ever asks me for many years to come.

Unfortunately I later heard that the other bar we went to might be owned by the same incredibly rude and small minded owner of Champelli's. I SINCERELY hope that isn't the case but if it is, well, at least he wasn't there that day and clearly his staff at the other establishment don't take notice to his advice or training because they were fantastic and saved what Champelli's and its owner had practically ruined as a perfectly good day.

0 stars would be far more appropriate based on this miserable experience. Don't waste...

This place has a lot of potential with great staff ( truly brilliant in welcoming and service and meals, definitely doing their best) and a great central location in Lower Hutt CBD. I rate 3 stars on staff effort alone.

This was the first post lockdown opening up of bars and restaurants, so I take that into consideration. Its been a long time for staff and owners to wonder and worry about when they can open again.

It seems to me to need the manager to take an honest look at the food ordering and the time taken to get ordered food to customers. Please note I am not criticising the three staff I saw in action, they were having a super human go at keeping everyone happy. I saw one staff member doing reception, bar, food orders and service, one chef and one other kitchen staff. All were flat out.

At times no one seemed to know who had ordered what while staff member was balancing a couple of plates full of food and trying to serve.....not knowing who.... A very long wait from ordering to service. Is it possible to use numbers is take orders and give each person a number in front of them. Maybe get the first orders to the chef asap so meals can start being prepared? Please improve on this, Roadhouse, and I'll be recommending you to everyone.

Also friend ordered one small serve of chips and one beer ( Steinlarger I think) costing $16. So, how much were the chips and how much was the beer ?

Great potential, I'd be happy to go there again when they get the too slow order/ service...

Nice bar, very nice staff but the food (not bad for pub meals) just took too long, especially for our wee ones. I suggest to staff to make the kids meals first before the adults as the majority of the menu is fry-ups and pasta which don't take long, but waiting 1+ hours for most of the meals is not good. I suggest if you have a big group like we did, to pre-order :-) lesson learnt!! Also, just a note to management, if it is advertised a complimentary dessert if you order a main, to ensure you have stock of desserts advertised, not just the easy out - a sundae :-(. Last thing is when the kids order the kids meal that come with a drink and sundae, to make sure the kids get their drinks straight away as well as their sundae. Our kids didn't get their drink and we had to remind staff for...