Speight's Ale House Petone — Restaurant in Wellington

Horrible first time experience - DO NOT recommend!!! My friend and I popped in for a late lunch - we were not greeted and welcomed when we walked in - the server asked if we were finished with our meal…….. (the place was basically empty…..)My friend then asked if we could have a table for 2 server said that was okay but then proceeded to tell us that we needed to return the table by 6:00pm (it was quarter to 4:00pm) thought that was a tad strange as we had ample time to finish a meal…. (Didn’t know table bookings are for the whole day) we ordered our Entrée (which arrived in due course) at this time there were more patrons in house and is a tad busy - our sever then came over and just hovered around us - didn’t ask anything - two couples and a family of six were sat close to our table and they were served as per - my friend and I then sat there for over half an hour and watched all other patrons be served their mains (when we ordered ours way before all these patrons even arrived !!!!!) at this point we were very hungry and frustrated and felt like we were just left behind and not accounted for - as we were about to walk from our table a different server then asked if we wanted our mains - which we then explained to her that we will not be wanting them anymore and she then insisted that it was on its way soon - (felt like she was covering for the previous server) the different server then started to profusely apologise which was acceptable but no accountability on the part of the other server nor there were any offers or attempts of compensation or even remedies for the fact. They then proceeded to charge us for our drinks and entrée (no discount or even like a incentive was offered)….. don’t think will return or recommend after this first impression - it such a shame as this has put a blemish the pretty good Petone strip...

Had dinner very last minute here recently. After calling to book a table, I was created by Justin on the phone who promptly got us booked in. When we arrived, somehow he knew it was me and called us by name to our table. Absolutely magnificent man! The kind of man you want to have a beer with!! As we had children, Meredith, if I recall right provided colourings in activities which was great and our menus. All the food ordered was delicious, pork loin, macaroni and cheese, kids burger meal, garlic bread, ice creams, bread and butter pudding, calamari and dumplings. Our table was cleared by a young girl named Asia, who was extremely polite and, just like Meredith, knew how to interact with our children which made the experience fun for them. The reason I give a 3/5 star for atmosphere is because of behavior witnessed towards other staff from one particular worker who was clearly being very rude to other staff and a young man behind the counter who when I asked his name, he introduced himself as Brendan. He was trying, and this guy had an attitude towards not only him but other members of the team. Moral clearly dropped when this guy started his shift and it ruined the vibe for my partner and I watching this guy power trip. Justin, Brendan, Meredith and Asia, all deserve payrises!! It was a busy night and otherwise, we really enjoyed our night due to these 4 individuals! The service from Justin kicked the whole experience off, and the efforts of Asia, Meredith and Brendan get my applause also on such...

Upon walking in we were hit by a strong fishy smell. Which should have been the first red flag. This wasn’t helped by the fact that we were also sat right by the bathroom on the far right corner.

Our first waiter was nice enough and took our drink and food order. It was half full when we got there but while waiting for two wines and a salad more people came in. A second waiter came to take our food order but no wines had come yet. A table of 7 sat next to us and got ALL their cocktails before us. This second waiter was not only rude and totally unenthusiastic but heavily implied that we would run off without paying the bill!! Not open a tab, but blandly and harshly stated that he wanted my card in case we ran out on the bill.. He also asked to look at our IDs. We are both in our late 30s/40s.. Food came and it was bad. Salad was riddled in oil and vinegrette and the prawns were unseasoned and undercooked. Oh yes, wines never came until I went up to the bar myself and that second waiter had not even put them through the till but other patrons were getting their cocktails. A 3rd waiter brought the wines but after walking aimlessly through the restaurant because she couldn’t see our table even with waving at her. Hands down the most miserable dining experience I have ever had in NZ which is a shame because the venue...