I usually go to the canteen a few times a month. Simply because it is close to a lot of cultural centres and the food is fairly affordable for downtown.
I used to love to introduce my friends to the restaurant. However after the poor service I received before going to the theatre, I will never do that again.
The hostess greeted us during a busy time on the weekend. She estimated that the wait would be 15 mins. 40 mins later she arrives again to ask when we needed to leave for the show.
After rolling her eyes, she said it would be impossible to serve us dinner at that time, even if a table was available. And suggested the take out counter.
This was acceptable. We weren't especially picky.
However she arrives again, to ask if we had given her the REAL time for when we had to leave for the theatre. Did she think we were lying? I was offended and embarrassed that I had brought my party here. We interpreted her and stated the same time. She seems unsure and leaves... returns a minute later and offers us a table for dinner.
We decide to leave and return after the show, hoping the service would change.
When we come back after the show, we ask for a table for drinks, a small bite and dessert. Since it was extremely late for dinner (past 10pm). We are asked to leave since they are only sitting for dinner. The entire place was almost empty with only two couples... who appeared to be doing just the same thing. Plus this is something I have done many times at the Canteen.
My friends asked me to never bring them back to the Canteen. I was embarrassed by the poor service and attitude. I will never bring anyone to this restaurant again.