The Corner Store Cafe — Restaurant in South Island

So disappointed to give a local business a low rating, but the service I got here when visiting was so bizarre and rude that I can’t not leave a review.

I came in around 8-8:30 am on a weekday, not busy, perhaps 4-6 people in the cafe. Realised as I had walked in the door that I had forgotten my wallet so only had phone/paywave to pay. Said good morning with a smile to the man behind the counter, who met me with silence. Politely asked if the cafe had paywave before ordering, to which the staff member responded “well what does the machine say” in an extremely condescending manner - the machine did not have a sign indicating it had paywave, and looked like an older machine so I was unsure. I have worked retail for a number of years and know that sometimes you can be caught out so thought it was best to ask.

I then ordered my coffee, and was met with zero verbal response when I made my order. I very politely said thankyou and was again met with silence. Coffee came relatively quickly, and the same staff member came to bring my coffee over and dropped the coffee cup onto the table from 3-4cm high directly down in front of me without a word and without looking at me. I said thankyou again and was met with silence, again.

I was absolutely mortified and embarrassed by the service provided. I understand hospo can be difficult, but I was exceedingly polite and friendly (years in retail has taught me to be the most unfussy and overly polite diner) and the bizarre level of passive aggression showed to me by the staff member in the face of a very polite and reasonable question left me baffled.

I see there are quite a few reviews on here which sing the praises of staff, so really hope this was a one off, but after speaking to a friend about my experience they confirmed they have had a similar experience with a member of staff that matched the description of the one that served me,...

I wish I did not have to provide a bad review but the circumstances warrant my doing so. I dropped into The Corner Store between 12 midday and 1pm on Sunday 28 October. It was the second occasion I have done so. On my first visit several months ago the food was excellent and the service very good, so decided to eat there again. Unfortunately, as I drew up to the counter to order the young woman taking the orders behaved in the rudest and most unacceptable manner I have ever encountered anywhere. As I was about to speak she stared straight at me and began a very extended, mouth wide open yawn. She then took the order without excusing herself or acknowledging her behaviour in any way. She gave the impression of being very disaffected about something and having decided she would make sure the very next customer who came along - me, unfortunately - knew about it. I was subsequently served at my table by a very pleasant young man but nonetheless I will not eat at this cafe again. The total experience in a cafe or restaurant is everything. There is plenty of competition out there and I believe that no cafe owner can afford to keep on...

Was their today with my mother for a coffee. She wasn't feeling the best and ended up fainting. My mother has done this before at home and I knew that all she needed was some time to recover and some space. The staff were very supportive and asked me if I needed any help to which I replied no. I sat with my mum for almost an hour just supporting and comforting her. This happened during a busy time of day and was concerned that staff would get annoyed but they did not. When my mother came around we left and I thanked them very much. I was surprised by they way they went about their business and I did not feel unwelcome or in the way at any time. My only concern afterwards was that I hope they did not lose to much business as their was an elderly lady and a large Maori male sitting at the front window obviously having problems. I wish to say thank you very much for being so understanding and keep up the good work. I would definitely recommend this shop to others looking for a safe and friendly environment to sit back, have a coffee and be treated like people and not just a...