Auchendarroch House Tavern

Not wanting to wait again for new food to be prepared (we’d already been there for an hour!), I asked to speak with the manager. He suggested we receive new mea... read more Not wanting to wait again for new food to be prepared (we’d already been there for an hour!), I asked to speak with the manager. He suggested we receive new meals, which I declined since my children needed to get to bed. He then offered a complimentary meal for our next visit, but I refused that as well because we were unhappy with our experience. I explained that, according to dining etiquette, the placement of our cutlery indicated we weren’t finished and that the waitress had told the staff we would be back. I felt it was reasonable for him to let us leave without charge. The manager I spoke with, Steve Skinner, was rather brusque and showed little empathy. To my disbelief, he even suggested that we should pay for some of the items on the menu, despite the fact that our enjoyable evening had been spoiled and two-thirds of our party was going home without having eaten! I made it clear that I wouldn’t be paying for our meal since we were not liable under consumer rights for goods or services we never received. He insisted that I provide my name and contact information, which confused me. Was I supposed to expect an invoice in the mail, the police showing up at my door, or debt collectors after me for the $5 cost of a nearly-cold beer he kept complaining about as we were leaving? I quickly took my children and left. If there were a way to give a negative star rating, I certainly would. Our evening ended with my daughter and me having baked beans on toast, leaving us with a bad taste from a truly disappointing experience at this restaurant. In my opinion, the manager wouldn’t recognize good hospitality or the importance of customer retention even if it were right in front of him. I tried to resolve the situation diplomatically, but the management refused to be reasonable. Customer service is a two-way street, yet it seems this restaurant has reached a dead end.

Thursday nights at this restaurant are Schnitzel night, featuring a mouthwatering schnitzel for only $9. You can also get a movie ticket for just $9, which is a... read more Thursday nights at this restaurant are Schnitzel night, featuring a mouthwatering schnitzel for only $9. You can also get a movie ticket for just $9, which is an incredible bargain considering a regular ticket typically costs $16! On top of that, you can enjoy an unlimited salad bar with a wide variety of options. I highly recommend checking this place out on a Thursday for a budget-friendly evening.

The service can be outstanding if you happen to be served by John, who has been a waiter there for many years. However, it can be quite underwhelming with other... read more The service can be outstanding if you happen to be served by John, who has been a waiter there for many years. However, it can be quite underwhelming with other staff members. The schnitzel and movie deal provides fantastic value and tasty food. Unfortunately, my experiences with the à la carte menu have been less than satisfactory. I recommend sticking to the simpler dishes to ensure a better experience.

Amazing setting….attentive service person!! Two out of three meals awesome….unfortunately Beef Schnitzel with Pepper Sauce was over cooked resulting in a very d... read more Amazing setting….attentive service person!! Two out of three meals awesome….unfortunately Beef Schnitzel with Pepper Sauce was over cooked resulting in a very dry, crispy schnitzel

Love coming here, favourite place to eat out in Mount Barker! Best friendly service from the staff every time. Food is always delicious. Cosy family atmosphere.... read more Love coming here, favourite place to eat out in Mount Barker! Best friendly service from the staff every time. Food is always delicious. Cosy family atmosphere. Great to grab a meal before/after a movie. Amazing cake/dessert options.