The Larder — Restaurant in North Island

Six of us (3 couples) regularly head to the hospitality area0 for lunch. Today it was the Larder. It immediately impresses as a professionally-run eaterie. But what took us aback was the originality, breadth and value for money nature of its lunch menu. Myself I opted for cauliflower soup (with impressively chunky toast) that contained generous numbers of tastily prepared prawns. The soup base was a hot bowlful of suprwmely well blended creaminess in which the prawns lay in wait. The cauliflower taste was there in the distance but the overall dish had a unique flavor that complemented rather than overwhelmed the seafood. That alone was enough to get me back. Soonest. Then there was the twice-baked goat cheese souffle. This was hot and cooked to perfection. Across the table a wide variety of dishes were being taken in. One compliment that impressed me was " Gosh!" to which I will add " Crikey Dick!". Warm friendly people looked after us from the moment we walked in. The place was full and high spirited for a Tuesday. Perhaps a tad loud but that's way better than the alternative. When we finally left one of us voted to go straight back in. We had to head off but It was...

The place was absolutely jam packed when we arrived, Tony (maître d maybe?) was cool as a cucumber, and had us wait in the sun until a table freed up. We were seated within five minutes of arriving, and food came only ten minutes after that. Absolutely speedy service for a busy day! The coffee was amazing, and the food outstanding. All of the staff were professional, and clearly knew what they were doing. Kitchen staff were under the pump but it looked like it was bustling.

I’d highly recommend heading over to the Larder if you’ve never been, the staff there are in my opinion, worth every dollar they earn. Will absolutely be back, and in...

We went to The Larder because I'd had a pleasant meal there a while ago. Our experience yesterday however, was totally different. The place was about half full; it was after 2.00pm. We were seated and presented with a glass of tepid tap water; so far, so good. Then totally ignored for more than 20 minutes, despite a number of staff busying themselves tidying tables, glasses and tending to patrons at adjoining tables. We might as well have been invisible. So we left to plaintive words of 'we can take your order now'. Sadly, the moment had passed and the opportunity is unlikely to re-present itself again, ever. Very sad really, as the menu...