16th February 2010 I find the problem with open source review forums is that they can often give a skewed perspective on the basis of one persons irrational reaction to what was obviously a bad experience. In the interests of fairness to the incredibly hard working family running a valuable service, i felt an alternative view to the only other review on this site was necessary.
As an avid swimmer i regularly have reason to visit the Aquatic Cafe. The nature of the venue means they are often ’slammed’ by massive walk-up crowds, not to mention being inundated with excited kids, however, i have never in two and half years of visits seen anything but a professional, friendly and obliging staff – be it the husband and wife team who own it or any of their other crew.
As a self confessed coffee snob, i entirely refute the aspersions cast on their brew – their barista’s create coffee of true quality, and they do it consistently.
they match up with the best wellington’s powerhouse cafes can offer.
I suspect zed had decided to think the food was ‘disgusting’ before it arrived at his table. They in fact have a kitchen that produces food of exceptional quality and variety at very reasonable prices. And though the breakfast menu finishes frustratingly early (midday), the all day menu and counter food make it an ideal venue for a weekend brunch – the chicken bagel has to be the best value cafe meal in wellington, and they even keep the kids out of your hair with toys and an extensive childrens menu.
I have no idea what problem zed had, but I have never seen the staff rude or unreasonable to a customer - however i have seen customers reacting incredibly rudely when asked in a polite way to conform to basic safety rules. I would be interested to know what exactly was the incident that caused you to write such a bitter appraisal zed?
while not doubting that you had an obviously unpleasant time, i do have to question the rationality and motivation of an internet hate campaign: 'It only takes one unhappy customer to to ruin a business that might have had a chance!!!'?!? Really? You'd wish disaster on the family who run this cafe? and all their staff? just because you had a bad time? obviously you are angry - do you think that perhaps you may not have over-reacted? i would hope the WCC would have the sense to dismiss as childish any official complaint.
i would also hope that no-one would be put off a visit after reading your words – the Aquatic Cafe is well worth checking out. And as its hard working owners open to serve the early morning swim trainers, while not closing until just before the pool itself, it is a god-send for those caffeine addicts that struggle to find a good latte outside of normal cafe hours.
disclaimer/amendment to my ideal brunch destination recommendation – if you cant stand kids id suggest you avoid the weekend….
16th February 2010 I find the problem with open source review forums is that they can often give a skewed perspective on the basis of one persons irrational reaction to what was obviously a bad experience. In the interests of fairness to the incredibly hard working family running a valuable service, i felt an alternative view to the only other review on this site was necessary.
As an avid swimmer i regularly have reason to visit the Aquatic Cafe. The nature of the venue means they are often ’slammed’ by massive walk-up crowds, not to mention being inundated with excited kids, however, i have never in two and half years of visits seen anything but a professional, friendly and obliging staff – be it the husband and wife team who own it or any of their other crew.
As a self confessed coffee snob, i entirely refute the aspersions cast on their brew – their barista’s create coffee of true quality, and they do it consistently.
they match up with the best wellington’s powerhouse cafes can offer.
I suspect zed had decided to think the food was ‘disgusting’ before it arrived at his table. They in fact have a kitchen that produces food of exceptional quality and variety at very reasonable prices. And though the breakfast menu finishes frustratingly early (midday), the all day menu and counter food make it an ideal venue for a weekend brunch – the chicken bagel has to be the best value cafe meal in wellington, and they even keep the kids out of your hair with toys and an extensive childrens menu.
I have no idea what problem zed had, but I have never seen the staff rude or unreasonable to a customer - however i have seen customers reacting incredibly rudely when asked in a polite way to conform to basic safety rules. I would be interested to know what exactly was the incident that caused you to write such a bitter appraisal zed?
while not doubting that you had an obviously unpleasant time, i do have to question the rationality and motivation of an internet hate campaign: 'It only takes one unhappy customer to to ruin a business that might have had a chance!!!'?!? Really? You'd wish disaster on the family who run this cafe? and all their staff? just because you had a bad time? obviously you are angry - do you think that perhaps you may not have over-reacted? i would hope the WCC would have the sense to dismiss as childish any official complaint.
i would also hope that no-one would be put off a visit after reading your words – the Aquatic Cafe is well worth checking out. And as its hard working owners open to serve the early morning swim trainers, while not closing until just before the pool itself, it is a god-send for those caffeine addicts that struggle to find a good latte outside of normal cafe hours.
disclaimer/amendment to my ideal brunch destination recommendation – if you cant stand kids id suggest you avoid the weekend….
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Zed7676
11th January 2009 Service - RUDE!
Food - Disgusting!
Coffee/Tea - Tastes like home made cheap coffe and tea.
The Aquatic centre and staff were brilliant towards my family and I. The swimming area was fantastic. Unfortunately we had to deal with one female staff member at the Aquatic Cafe who I think is the owner she is rude, disrespectful and needs business managment skills. I was abosolutely shocked at the treatment we recieved and will let others know of this, as no customer should ever come across such behaviour in front of children! Please be aware Aquatic cafe is a business who thinks money money money and not customer focused. I will be speaking to Wellington City Council also as they run the Aquatic Centre and I will be adding reviews anywhere I see Aquatic Cafe...A message to the lady owner...'It only takes one unhappy customer to to ruin a business that might have had a chance!!!'
I find the problem with open source review forums is that they can often give a skewed perspective on the basis of one persons irrational reaction to what was obviously a bad experience. In the interests of fairness to the incredibly hard working family running a valuable service, i felt an alternative view to the only other review on this site was necessary.
As an avid swimmer i regularly have reason to visit the Aquatic Cafe. The nature of the venue means they are often ’slammed’ by massive walk-up crowds, not to mention being inundated with excited kids, however, i have never in two and half years of visits seen anything but a professional, friendly and obliging staff – be it the husband and wife team who own it or any of their other crew.
As a self confessed coffee snob, i entirely refute the aspersions cast on their brew – their barista’s create coffee of true quality, and they do it consistently.
they match up with the best wellington’s powerhouse cafes can offer.
I suspect zed had decided to think the food was ‘disgusting’ before it arrived at his table. They in fact have a kitchen that produces food of exceptional quality and variety at very reasonable prices. And though the breakfast menu finishes frustratingly early (midday), the all day menu and counter food make it an ideal venue for a weekend brunch – the chicken bagel has to be the best value cafe meal in wellington, and they even keep the kids out of your hair with toys and an extensive childrens menu.
I have no idea what problem zed had, but I have never seen the staff rude or unreasonable to a customer - however i have seen customers reacting incredibly rudely when asked in a polite way to conform to basic safety rules. I would be interested to know what exactly was the incident that caused you to write such a bitter appraisal zed?
while not doubting that you had an obviously unpleasant time, i do have to question the rationality and motivation of an internet hate campaign: 'It only takes one unhappy customer to to ruin a business that might have had a chance!!!'?!? Really? You'd wish disaster on the family who run this cafe? and all their staff? just because you had a bad time? obviously you are angry - do you think that perhaps you may not have over-reacted? i would hope the WCC would have the sense to dismiss as childish any official complaint.
i would also hope that no-one would be put off a visit after reading your words – the Aquatic Cafe is well worth checking out. And as its hard working owners open to serve the early morning swim trainers, while not closing until just before the pool itself, it is a god-send for those caffeine addicts that struggle to find a good latte outside of normal cafe hours.
disclaimer/amendment to my ideal brunch destination recommendation – if you cant stand kids id suggest you avoid the weekend….