new zealand coffee review (archive)
new zealand coffee review (archive)
Reviews by sheppydotcom:
A great place for a coffee and a read on a sunny day! Coffees are usually very good, although like a lot of places today (especially when you're sitting outside)if you like it hot it pays to ask to have it extra hot. In this respect, this place is one of the best.The food is lovely too, especially the cooked breakfasts.
There is provision outside for dog owners to tie up their beasties, or to lean your bike if you've brought one. Staff even provide a bucket for the dogs to drink from.
During the weekdays is a great time to go; weekends tend to get a little crowded as the place turns into a "who's who" of Sumner, especialy when the cycle brigade arrive, hog the tables and start with the cycle-gear talk which is often as loud as their lycra gear! Just joking!
Evenings are usually quiet, a nice place for a small intimate coffee and cheescake after a movie. All in all, a coffee shop not to miss out on.
I've had some very nice coffees here; and some not so good. So I thought I'd go back and give MaCafe another try. I shouldn't have bothered.
I ordered a Chai latte and a coffee for myself. We sat down and waited...and waited. Eventually, about 10 minutes later, we saw my coffee go on the tray, and it sat there for about 4-5 minutes while staff made the latte.
Some time later both drinks arrived, warm. I took mine straight back and told them it was cold. The staff member, one of only two who were flat out, checked what it was and indicated he'd make another. I waited for a replacement...and waited. After about 15 minutes we left, still with no coffee in sight. There were too many people at the counter to bother making a complaint. Needless to say, I won't be going back there.
If we're talking about the Robert Harris in the photos, and not the one out in the middle of the mall,I've had many very good coffees here! I like being offered the choice of three different size cups. If I feel like a more traditional small coffee, I'll have one. Unfortunately Kiwis, if not most people, feel short-changed if they don't get a decent size product for their hard earned money.
I think the medium size cups are great, but like the large, they need to be drunk before they cool off. This isn't hard to do after an hour grocery shopping. Robert Harris staff are always friendly and provide extra hot water for topping up if necessary, which is good for those who like their coffee weaker. Not the "true" coffee drinker's norm perhaps, but practical.
The food is usually very good, if not a tad expensive, but what food place isn't these days?
My only gripe here would be noise when it's busy. I don't understand why owners insist on music playing over the top of people talking. Most customers here meet for a catch-up and a talk.It's hard work when you have to compete with speakers as well.
Pictures from sheppydotcom:
