APPALLING TO SAY THE LEAST.

Describing our experience as "terrible, appalling, disgusting and downright pathetic" would be an understatement. I'm beyond disappointed.

My team and I booked for team lunch with the establishment as they are running a 3 course special that runs until 4pm. Some members of my team arrived before 3pm and others before 3:45pm. We informed the waiter that we're waiting for the rest of the team to arrive and asked if it's okay for us to start placing our orders when they do, she agreed. In the interim, we ordered drinks.

When we placed our order, we were informed that we couldn't because the (day) chefs were about to leave. We were not made aware of this at any time before this moment.

We asked for a manager, (forgot what her name is, she was wearing a black blazer and had black hair, tied back) and she wouldn't accommodate us despite the error being on their end. They kept forcing the waiter to deal with us as this would be a bad reflection on the waiter if they didn't get it resolved. We asked for the manager's manager, oh what a terrible human being who just smirked like her life depended on it, arms folded and very standoffish, pretty much not willing to help us at all.

We asked for the deposit to be refunded. Our balance was R500 as the rest covered the drinks. We were told it's none refundable if we do not show up or cancel. Pointing out that that was not the case, was ignored and they refused. They pretty much forced us to either spend it there or use it next time we book. The misplaced confidence that we would return after this experience tickled me a bit. I bet you R500 that they would deny this agreement if we opted to return.

Ashley, Ashwyn, whatever your name is, you're absolutely terrible, you lack hospitality and should consider training your team on how to handle bookings and customers. What irks me the most is that during the booking process, we asked if we could order and arrive later, which we were told we couldn't. We made provisions and agreed to arrive at the time the special runs. Your waiter should not have agreed to us ordering at 3:45pm if there was a time cap. They could have attended to us the moment some of my team members arrived to avoid such an awful experience.

I'm of the belief that this establishment is heading down a slippery slope fast. Booking for 8 people was useless because it was empty. They told us about some evening rush, what rush? Does it get packed of rats sipping at the fountain at the back/smoking area?

We looked forward to experiencing this place with the hope of making it our regular spot because we thought it was charming. It feels like family members who lack experience in hospitality were randomly hired and hoped for the best.