Leslie Z.
Yelp
The view is great and the food is good, but the service very slow for the amount of tables which were seated (5 tables approx) and with about 3 waitstaff that shouldn't be a problem. We ate our canapes before the coffees arrived. The canapes were quick, the coffees took a good half hour as the machine was backed up with orders from about 4 tables who ordered around the same time so I understand.
With the limited amount of tables outside it was really annoying to see they'd placed "reserved" signs on most of the free tables outside. There were about 5 tables outside taken up when we arrived at around 10am. The other 3 spare all had "reserved" signs (as did a few of those tables which were already seated).
Great view, but unless their's a free table I'd suggest just grabbing a takeaway coffee and standing by the vista, the owner obviously couldn't care if you made a bigger purchase, they're doing all they can to discourage that. A couple with a newborn turned up and we're told "they would not be served if they sat at the reserved table". They promptly left.
As a former waitress I had an inkling of what they were up to and after close to 1 1/2 to 2 hours of enjoying our coffee and canapes my suspicions were confirmed.
When finally a table left who had been sitting in the sun by the balcony, my friend and I hightailed it over to take a seat and asked the girl clearing if that would be fine. Lo and behold she informed us the table was "reserved", gesturing to the sign. No it certainly wasn't, the "reserved" sign simply hadn't been removed when the old customers had sat down. Rigggghhhht. In her defense it was her boss' idea as she did go in to check when other new customers arrived and queried all the "reserved" signs as well. She tried, but when it comes to most Australian hospitality managers they just don't care what their staff suggest. I know firsthand how excruciating it is working for such people.
So we moved back to our tiny table in the shade by the wall, looking glumly at about 3 empty tables all in the sun with "reserved" signs. In all the time we sat there, not one "reserved" table of customers showed up.
They are doing this for one of two reasons, or a bit of both:
a) simply because they do not want to clean extra tables, it's too much trouble apparently. They'd rather people sit inside as it's closer to the kitchen and coffee machine, it's simply about being lazy and not valuing paying customers.
b) they have reservations turning up for lunch at 11am, but would rather not use their brain and think, by this I mean if they were pros who valued customer service they would coordinate bookings and allow the table having a coffee and canapes to sit at the reserved table at 10am, as common sense dictates such customers will be done by 11am. A waitress simply has to let you know when she seats you "We have a reservation coming in at 11am, but you are most welcome to sit until ten to 11/just before they arrive). This makes the customer aware and usually they remember if they have any decency and aren't distracted by their companions, if they forget, a gentle reminder about the 11am booking and asking if they'd like the bill, usually gets them moving with no animosity. Most of the time I've encountered customers to be apologetic when approached with mutual respect and giving ample time.
c) They want to keep a particular section of the restaurant closed. But, this one doesn't apply to the situation as the "reservation" signs were placed on every vacant table in the sun (and on those already occupied).
I assume an Australian owns the place as this sort of management style is typical of the Australian "she'll be right" attitude, a lack of common sense and never bothering to go the extra mile.
People come to enjoy the view with coffee or food, not sit inside when it's cold, while the sun shines outside and the lorikeets are hopping on tables. Poor management, needs an owner who values customers.
