Mornington Taphouse — Restaurant in Otago

6 of us had booked a table to celebrate a birthday. Drinks and dinner arrived and everyone was looking forward to catch up conversations. Unfortunately as we soon discovered having a conversation was difficult as the noise started coming through the floor below us. It appears that there is a venue directly below the dinning room. The noise coming up caused vibrations through the floor below and was annoying on our feet and backsides while seated. At the very least conversation was difficult and made harder with the house music playing through the restaurants sound system that was competing with the music from below.. We inquired with the waitress that served our table if any thing could be done. After checking with the duty manager she came back and informed us that they could do nothing as it was a wedding. We decided to go early and get our desert somewhere where there was a lot less bass and dance beat happening. As I was settling our account I felt I needed to voice our disappointment at the disturbance and was told it was a "band" this somehow makes it OK does it? we were customers who genuinely had an issue that was effecting our evening out and we felt let down and our experience at this establishment was less than favorable especially as it advertises its self as "family friendly" and "may be the best pub in the world" We suggest that any one planning to dine there first check that there isn't a band...

Really lovely looking inside. Has been all done up and given an amazing face-lift. Food .. well I think we have had more bad meals than good. Staff have problems smiling sometimes but you do get a friendly welcome. We have yet to be there in a full house. Every time we go there is only a wee handful of tables being used. We have been prepared to give it a go several times but have either ended up with stale or over baked food that you can't put your knife through. In saying this we have had some lovely meals, the fish and the Eggs Benedict, but you can have them swimming in the sauce too, they need to cut back. Good sized meals, definitely can't complain about that. Very clean throughout and also a gaming room for after your meal if you wish. A lounge to relax in on a couch with a cuppa also if you wish. Ample parking. Fabulous views over a portion of the city to look at while dining. Me personally, I'm not in too much of a rush to go back, shame as its so fabulous...

Our new favourite - and all because of the staff.

We dropped into Mornington Taphouse on a Friday evening and got a table near the kitchen. We had our whole family and a few friends so the 9 of us shared a large table together.

Our kids were being kids, and playing with some of the large kids games set up in another area of the restaurant throughout the night, and the staff were just amazing with them. From tying our middle child's shoes when they saw they were un-laced, through to providing activities and colouring pencils, nothing was a bother. Even with us being positioned near the kitchen with our kids toing and froing between the table and games area, the staff were just amazing..

The food was great too. Big $19 pizzas, salads, burgers etc. We came away very happy and the while family was very satisfied.

We don't live close, but would make the trip up to Mornington Taphouse just for the service alone.

If you have a family, go to Mornington Taphouse -...