|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
User Reviews on Tearoom Gunners' Barracks, The
|
| |
|
Displaying 1 - 10 of 12 comments
|
| |
|
Page:
1
2
Next
|
|
| |
|
|
| Overall |
 
|
Average |
 |
Food 6 |
Ambience 10 |
Service 2 |
Value 5 |
|
|
Let me start with the positives. The location and views are beautiful, ask to sit on the verandah to really take the vista in. The afternoon tea is what you would expect: sandwiches with the crusts cut off, mini cakes, and scones with jam and cream. Nothing really outstanding, but all fairly tasty. They have a gluten-free option, which tasted great but was significantly smaller than the glutenised version, and that equals not very much afternoon tea goodies for $35.
But the service was what really let them down. I have been here twice, both times in a group. Having a background in hospitality, I would have thought that serving afternoon tea would be a pretty easy gig. Two choices: with sparkling? gluten-free? Then just bring the afternoon tea morsels out and keep the drinks coming. Well that is clearly too much to expect at Gunner's.
No menus were presented and no waitstaff appeared interested in taking our orders. Someone from our group had to get up and track down a waiter as we were being largely ignored. On both occasions we were left waiting until we had nearly finished eating the goodies before being served anything to drink, and then it was after multiple requests. Why is it so hard? I'm dumbfounded. And no lemon available to serve with a cup of tea.
Then the staff came over and in a very loud voice basically started telling us how much we had enjoyed the afternoon tea, and how wonderful everything was. Whatever! On both occasions we had to hunt down the bill as well.
The service here is appalling, almost non-existent. They do themselves an enormous dis-service (pardon the pun), as every other element of the venue is lovely. I will not be returning on principle, and caution others to be prepared for disappointment.
|
| |
|
Was this review helpful?
|
|
| |
breakfastbeast -
See my reviews 35 , 05 May 2008
|
Manage this Listing to respond
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Overall |
|
Highly Recommended |
|
Food 8 |
Ambience 8 |
Service 10 |
Value 8 |
|
|
Have been here twice now and have really loved it each time. On both occasions I've had the high tea which is just beautiful. Each time I've chosen to have this as lunch which is more than sufficient and makes for cheap dining. The waiter even offered to top up our sandwiches but there was no way we could eat anymore.
The view from this place is the real draw card - simply stunning. I wouldn't come here to be seated inside - the view is the main reason to dine here. I have found the service to be fantastic - at least 3 waiters just for the two of us and they all seemed to be communicating very well.
Only one teeny complaint and that was the music - some bad Australian rock that got turned off (thank goodness) then some jazzy stuff. Really just some nice classical would do nicely here. Oh and I'm going back for a third time for our Wedding anniversary - I'm seriously addicted to this place.
|
| |
|
Was this review helpful?
|
|
| |
|
milloo -
See my reviews 2, 15 February 2008
|
Manage this Listing to respond
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Overall |
|
Highly Recommended |
|
Food 9 |
Ambience 8 |
Service 7 |
Value 9 |
|
|
Fantastic venue, love the high teas very dramatic and scrumptous more importantly. Dined here many times and are never let down.
A la carte is a must always something on the menu to entice you back.
Cracks can show in service at times, but with views like that to keep you occupied.....
|
| |
|
Was this review helpful?
|
|
| |
|
france61 -
See my reviews 2, 03 February 2008
|
Manage this Listing to respond
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Overall |
|
Highly Recommended |
|
Food 8 |
Ambience 10 |
Service 10 |
Value 8 |
|
|
|
I have had tea here twice in the last 2 months. Both times for large groups - 11 and 16. All of my guests were very happy with the afternoon tea (scones, savoury pastries, sarnies and cakes), the view and the service. The first occasion it was raining but it was still a lovely setting. Because it was raining, the chappy on the front desk tried to move us inside when we had specifically asked for outside so beware of this if you want an outside table. Regardless of the weather, the awning gives great coverage! To be honest, you could be anywhere if you are inside, the point here is to have tea on the terrace! Highly recommend!
|
| |
|
Was this review helpful?
|
|
| |
|
shudie -
See my reviews 15, 30 January 2008
|
Manage this Listing to respond
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Overall |
|
Average |
|
Food 6 |
Ambience 8 |
Service 5 |
Value 6 |
|
|
Great views and good food but let down by very ordinary service. We arrived to be asked to wait a good 10 minutes for our table, un-warmed bread rolls arrived without any butter ("we're so busy, it slipped my mind"), my cured salmon was outstanding but my wife received a very different dish from the one which was described ("apologies for my English" was the explanation). My steak was good, but I had to ask for a steak knife and my shiraz didn't arrive for another 10 minutes, whilst my wife's John Dory was good without being memorable.
The apple and blackberry crumble was sensational though how hard is it to offer King Island cream which would have finished it beautifully ?? The real problem here is the waiter's knowledge of the dishes left more than a little to be desired, disappointing for a restaurant of this calibre.
|
| |
|
Was this review helpful?
|
|
| |
|
jwaggett -
See my reviews 4, 28 January 2008
|
Manage this Listing to respond
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Overall |
|
Recommended |
|
Food 7 |
Ambience 7 |
Service 8 |
Value 6 |
|
|
My friend wanted to do something different for her birthday and organised 40 people for this event. It was my first high tea experience and although I had a great time, it isn't really my cup of tea. I found that the service was excellent and the waiters were very polite. The food was interesting with many different varities -fav one was the nibblies that looked like spinach n ricotta.
Reading the below reviews - I don't remember being told what we were eating so most of the time each person on the table just took a piece of what was on the dish and tasted it. I had the traditional high tea which is made up of scones, sandwiches and tea/coffee which is $35pp (quite expensive in my opinion). Overall it was a great experience and I forgot to mention that the views are spectacular.. don't forget to bring a camera along.
|
| |
|
Was this review helpful?
|
|
| |
|
mztracy -
See my reviews 47, 10 January 2008
|
Manage this Listing to respond
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Overall |
|
Highly Recommended |
|
Food 9 |
Ambience 10 |
Service 9 |
Value 7 |
|
|
What a unique venue! I have been twice to the Gunner Barracks and enjoyed both experiences. The view is truly stunning and the venue is equally as beautiful. I love the combination of the history, the unique venue and the amazing menu. I have had the sparkling afternoon teas on a very sparkly day in the life of Sydney harbour and there are no complaints what so ever. The staff are very polite, professional and attentive, so it mixes well with the by gone era of tea and scones.
It can be expensive but it is all worth it. The afternoon tea has scones, sandwiches and some gorgeous cakey things that get all gobbles up very quickly. They are all made and no signs of 'store bought' options that is experienced at other high tea venues. The Gunners Barracks also boasts a sumptious variety of teas. There is everyting from English Breakfast to the much coveted Silver Tips White tea, so there really is something for every type of tea expert. This is something that you should try at least once and is the perfect setting for a good chat over some scones, beautiful tea and the most amazing view.
|
| |
|
Was this review helpful?
|
|
| |
|
arneka -
See my reviews 31, 30 September 2007
|
Manage this Listing to respond
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
|
| |
|
| Overall |
|
Recommended |
|
Food 9 |
Ambience 5 |
Service 9 |
Value 6 |
|
|
Recently reviewed in the Sydney Morning Herald, I was delighted to be able to sample a High Tea at the Gunners' Barracks Tearoom. I noted from the plaque at the entrance way that the buildings were not convict built, a nice touch to mention for some reason. Ladies and Gentlemen of the Tearoom - Lesson 1 - always make sure that you warm your china cups. There is nothing worse than getting a delicious pot of Russian Caravan with "stone of death" cold tea cups.
Lesson 2 - the music and the venue should blend harmoniously - being stuck in a corner table with the blare of dull souless dance music might be fun on Oxford Street but this venue crys out for Vivaldi, Haydn, Rameau. The delicious scones do not go down well with the "boom boom boom" happening.
Lesson 3 - the tea should come at the same time with the tray of delicious and well presented samplers. The chef was very kind enough to come out and explain what we were about to eat, delightful touch but the Russian Caravan had somehow got lost on its way from the Kitchen to the table.
Lesson 4 - when you have a sprung timber floor the waiters should not stomp through the establishment as if off to the Parade Ground. Even the chubbiest waiter can make the softest steps should he chose, likewise, the skinny waiter who moved through like a battalion heading to the APEC summit should lighten his steps and allow peace and tranquility to descend upon the superb scones and cream that I enjoyed. Likewise, rattling doors closed loudly do nothing to the amenity of the venue.
Lesson 5 - a good Hostess should always invest in a set of sugar tongs, even my "Guide to hosting a High Tea" states this. A teaspoon with sugar cubes does not really cut it and keep the sugar white for tea, I so detest seeing the dark sugar cubes being served for tea.
Will I be back, you better believe I will, Good Parking, Super Venue (although the carpet needed a vacuum in the foyer), cute waiters, superb food, well worth the trip.
|
| |
|
Was this review helpful?
|
|
| |
|
ursusoz -
See my reviews 28, 05 September 2007
|
Manage this Listing to respond
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Overall |
|
Highly Recommended |
|
Food 10 |
Ambience 10 |
Service 10 |
Value 10 |
|
|
|
Went for a wedding- probably the best wedding I have ever been to. The venue itself is gorgeous, we sat on the outside deck- I was served the best fillet mignon I have had to date. View is spectacular, especially in the evening. Have been looking for an excuse to go back!!!
|
| |
|
Was this review helpful?
|
|
| |
|
Chimichanga -
See my reviews 113, 21 August 2007
|
Manage this Listing to respond
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Overall |
|
Highly Recommended |
|
Food 10 |
Ambience 10 |
Service 9 |
Value 10 |
|
|
|
Took my NZ friend for a Sparkly Afternoon Tea at 11 am on a cold, drizzly August Thursday. Superb, superb, superb. Glass of beautiful champagne to start, fantastic service by 3 waiters as we were the only ones there until 11.30 am, and truely beautiful food and teas (Chai, and Jasmine Black). My friend wants to come back and marry there, with a 2.5 year wait for a booking!
|
| |
|
Was this review helpful?
|
|
| |
|
shcass -
See my reviews 2, 17 August 2007
|
Manage this Listing to respond
|
|
|
|
|
Special OffersRegisterTell a FriendAdvertiseRestaurateursLogin
Hi, Anonymous
Favourites
Website
Map
Weather
Tell Friends
Print
Add to your list
