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| - I want to give this this place a higher rating, but they don't deserve it.
I've been here a handful of times & each visit just seems to get progressively worse. The coffee itself is quite good (once you finally get your order- more on this issue later).
5 stars for the ambience & layout of this cafe. There's plenty of seating, huge patio, free wifi etc. Usually they're playing decent music & the customers who stay are either working away on their laptops or the dreaded stroller blocking moms. Either way, there's plenty of room for everyone.
So why the low rating? The staff. I've noticed the person at the cash taking my order to be cheerful, pleasant & helpful when deciding on what to order. Then that person disappears & you're left waiting for your drink.....
5, 10.... maybe 15 minutes later, your drink may finally arrive. I'd love to be over exaggerating but I've actually had to wait this long. And no, it wasn't because it was busy, or that they "forgot" my order. The baristas simply have other priorities.
I've watched and waited while they serve their friends, chat amongst themselves, take off into the back etc.. All while a few of us customers will patiently wait for them to essentially provide us with what we've paid for. I don't think it's unreasonable to have to wait a few minutes for a hand crafted beverage, but the lack of customer service is appalling.
That being said, will I ever go back? Never. I gave Te Aro a fair chance multiple times because I don't think it's fair to base a review on one visit.
Luckily, there's a bunch of way better coffee shops you can find in this part of the city (Mercury, Boxcar Social, Dark Horse... Just to name a few). Don't waste your time or your money here.
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