Lakeside Cafe - Coffee PMB — Restaurant in Msunduzi Local Municipality

Dropped in for coffee and a scone early one morning (6th July 2017 at around 08:00 to be more precise).

Lakeside deserves recognition for being open at this time while the shops of the nearby Midlands Mall mostly remain closed until 09:00, which is largely unhelpful for anyone who has stuff to get done, as was the case for my brother and me. Unfortunately what we needed to get done involved the Midlands Mall so we had to occupy ourselves until the shops opened at 09:00. Lakeside, which is but a stones throw away from the mall, would be the best recommendation for anyone who finds themselves in a similar predicament.

In a commercial period rife with false advertising, it should be clarified that Lakeside is not in fact by the side of any lake, but actually an artificial water feature. Any misconceptions of a bucolic surrounding are quickly dispelled by the nearby highway and neighbouring car dealerships. The deck of Lakeside dose extend over this water feature, and seated here one can still watch the ducks and other water fowl swimming between the reeds and plastic litter, which is pleasant enough.

Lakeside offers a comprehensive range of menu items for breakfast lunch (I think possibly even dinner) and everything in between. A modest R 28 bought a very handsome muffin and another R 31 bought a very respectable scone with extra cream. The size of these treats, thankfully, was not meagre - a relief for two gents who had not yet eaten a real breakfast. Both were indeed delicious.

Real decent coffee is of course expected at any establishment in this day and age, and accordingly your brew will be prepared by the standard esspresso cassette owned by any such self respecting establishment. Based on the surreptitious brand advertising evident on the crockery, umbrellas and signs, the coffee you will receive is Lavazza - regrettably no artisanal locally roasted...

​My visit to Lakeside Cafe was very disappointing. The waiter's service was poor from start to finish. ​Our waiter was rude and showed no interest in our table. The food took long time to arrive, she did not bother to give us updates even though we asked her to check for us.

After she handed the bill I did not give a tip and I wrote the same total amount billed on the slip. That's where she got furious. She argued that I was not suppose to write anything if I did not tip as management would think she has taken a cash tip and hidden it. Only to find out from management that if a customer has not paid a tip then they suspect a poor service and would query from the waiter what happened. She even went on to say as a customer it's not your first time coming to this restaurant and you should have known that if you do not tip then you do not write the total bill on the slip instead you leave the slip blank and just pay the bill. I responded to say I do not know what you are talking about and I am not aware of this.

That was very unprofessional. Lake side Cafe should train their staff / waiters on how to communicate with customers professionally and teach them good customer service.

This bad experience really affected our dining experience.

#Tip to customers If you not happy with the service and would not tip please write the same billing amount on the slip as management would follow up with the waiter as it gives them a hint about poor customer...

Cafe-upon-Lake

Setting: Lakeside Cafe is not only a cuisine jewel but a surprisingly well situated cafe, with easy access, secured parking, an inviting place. The geese pond at the adjacent lake is a marvel to watch

Cuisine: The menu has an array of choice dishes for old and kids. Their food is cooked to the point, perfect, and homely at no waiting time. I had a taste of their "Rack of Lamb" (what a scrumptious, creamy and rich dish with succulent veges).  It was heaven.

Staff: Very polite, punctual and on point.

Prices: Surprisingly affordable, but realistically low.

Go and indulge your appetite with a lasting gastronomic experience and you will concur with my review. You won't be sorry. 5 star...