Hoppers Garden Bar — Restaurant in Waitematā

A group of us came in for drinks and ordered cocktails. One of them didn’t arrive, so we let a blonde female server know. She came back shortly after with two cocktails, explaining there had been a mix-up with the order but both drinks had already been made, so she offered us both. It felt like a nice gesture to make up for the delay.

About 15 minutes later, a different server (a brunette female) came over, picked up one of the drinks and bluntly asked, “Is this yours?” Our friend said, “Yeah, the server gave it to us for free” The brunette server didn’t respond—she just took the drink and walked off, leaving us all confused. She hadn’t explained who she was or why she was taking the drink back.

She came back 5-10 minutes later, looked at one of us and asked, “Why’s your face so serious? What’s wrong?” Then casually said the drink was actually meant for another customer. Keep in mind: the drink had been sitting on our table for a while by then, and she didn’t even check if anyone had touched it before taking it to someone else.

We explained the situation, how the blonde server had offered it to us due to the earlier mix-up. The brunette server said she’d go check with her colleague. She must’ve confirmed what we said, because she never came back to explain, apologise, or clear the air.

We were a big group (10), so maybe she didn’t like that we were all talking, laughing, and maybe a bit loud but we were enjoying ourselves like any other group out for drinks and we were definitely not intoxicated.

We’ve come here plenty of times with different groups and never had any issues until now, but this experience really stood out for all the wrong reasons. The second server came off as passive-aggressive with an hint of hostility and just plain rude, which was disappointing considering how good the service from all the servers and bartenders was great...

I honestly don’t know where to start, but I would say this bar is unsafe. While I was lining up to get a drink, the man behind me repeatedly rubbed up against me and grabbed my butt. My friend stepped in and told him to stop, and he called her crazy before moving away. When I got to the front of the bar, I told the bartender what had happened, and his response was simply that he didn’t understand and there was nothing he could do. Meanwhile, the man just stood there smiling. I felt completely dismissed and defeated. It seems like he gets away with this kind of behaviour because the bar simply doesn’t care, and there are no consequences for men who harass women there.

Later in the night, I spent around 20 minutes waiting for the bathroom. When I finally got to the front, a woman and her boyfriend pushed in, saying she needed priority because she had kids and I didn’t. The bouncer saw the situation, swung the door open, and it slammed into me. My toes were caught under the door, ripping the skin off and causing heavy bleeding. Instead of helping, the staff kicked all of us out. I didn’t even mind leaving at that point, but when I tried to sit down for a second because I was in pain and bleeding, I was forced to get up and go immediately.

This all happened before 11:30, and it completely ruined my night. I couldn’t walk properly because of my injuries. The staff and door team showed no care at all for my safety or wellbeing. In particular, the bouncer in the burgundy suit jacket (who I assume is some kind of manager) was on a power trip and made the situation worse instead of handling it professionally.

This bar really needs to reconsider its staff training, especially around safety and how they handle incidents. Right now, it feels like customer wellbeing is the last thing on...

I initially went here with a good friend who frrequents the bar for the Sunday Jazz every week from 5pm till 9pm. Its an eclectic 4hours of pure delight with Dennis and his band who have an old whanau member of mine in tow( surprise, surprise) blast from the past. Discovering this made Sunday even the more special . Well that's what my sentimental self I thought until my bff took me to Hopper's on Friday night. Although it was raining ' I mean pelting down 'the heavens opened and didn't let up.' It was cold and wet outside, but inside the Friday crowd was great, serious the Friday nighters after work having a drink, was pretty good. We bumped into some friends and I really liked the crowd and music. Make a note to definitely go in there Fridays cos I absolutely want to go back. The staff were looking mysterious with masks and a bohemian theme, complete with cocktails menu. Made long weekend Friday both mystical and mysterious nb.to self: take any bored visitors there. Great to come in here for an hour to relax before going on to weekend. There was a tea for two $18 pot that looked every part of the Victorian theme complete with the teapot and cups & saucers. Three ladies were sharing this when we arrived and had I seen what was included what was in the teapot I too would have partaken in the tea party.(it was a spesh concoction) of gin & other goodies. I'll be back 'Hoppers' this coming week for more. . looking forward to the Jazz quartet. A special mention to Caitlyn Smith who rocked the dazzled us all when Dennis was away two weeks ago. Those outfits dazzle gurl! And to the master of masters JB. A low bow. The other crazy good is you can book ahead of the crowd to book a table of your own. Standing...