Having reserved an early table outside on a Saturday we were disappointed by a sudden turn in the weather, with a chilly wind making sitting outside most unpleasant.
Arriving at opening time with not one table inside occupied, we asked if an inside table was available. The manager’s curt and very loud response : “ You booked an outside table and that’s all that is available “ was most discourteous and unnecessarily harsh. No attempt was made to ascertain how long we planned to take over the meal to see if later bookings would allow our request to be met.
As we rushed through our meal we watched no less than 4 couples of locals, obviously personally known to the manager, warmly welcomed and asked to wait by the bar for 10-20 minutes before being seated at inside tables as yet unused. Outside tables remained empty.
Two other tourist couples outside left in a hurry without dessert as we did. The manager did not come out to check on our comfort or to offer a warm drink or complimentary pudding at the end. At the time of leaving there were 4 tables for 2 and 2 tables for 4 still standing empty inside.
The snails ordered were overpowered by a mozzarella topping overbaked to a rubbery mat, and were inexplicably accompanied by a slice of fresh lemon.
The baked brie was insufficiently mature and hence virtually tasteless.
The bobotie was garnished with coriander leaves instead of the traditional bay leaves, of which there was no trace.
The lamb shank was cooked to perfection but served too cold instead of the required piping hot. Lukewarm mash and pumpkin is less than satisfying.
After the very courteous personal attention and excellent service we experienced 2 years ago in this restaurant’s old venue and management, and the outstanding cuisine by the strictest traditional South African standards we enjoyed on that occasion, our experience on this occasion was a huge gastronomic disappointment.
And, while favouring faithful local customers is understandable, treating passing visitors rudely, curtly and loudly, rather than with a modicum of hospitality and care is inexcusable.
Fortunately our visit to 2 other top rated restaurants in town did not disappoint.

 

Visited February 2017