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Reviews for Leigh Sawmill Cafe

by Angela B.
30th January 2013

7 of us went for a late lunch on Saturday and the service was appalling. Not only did it take over an hour and a half for lunch to start arriving, half of the orders arrived well before the other half meaning some of us were finished before the rest even started. At no time were we told there was going to be any delay. We politely mentioned the wait when paying and were met with what felt like an unapologetic and slightly annoyed response. The food was reasonably good and the setting is pleasant. However, given there are plenty of decent places in Matakana, I won’t be returning to the Sawmill anytime soon.

by Waka D.
15th January 2013

We purchased takeaways while holidaying up in Leigh from the Sawmill because the local fish and chippy had such crap food and service. Unfortunately the Sawmill wasn’t much better, kumara chips were under cooked and the salad was so small it cost $14. We have learnt our lesson go to the extra drive to Matakana markets and make our own. Such a shame these two eateries in Leigh have poor quality food and service, anywhere else and they would have been closed down or gone under by now.

by Alix M.
1st October 2012

Great spot for a simple yet satisfying meal after a day at the beach! Was well worth the drive, and will return.

Service was fine, read some other reviews but be assured the current staff here know what they are doing! Professional and friendly.

Pleasant settings, of course the night we dined was quiet being a Sunday night in September, but we didn’t mind.

The fruit crumble served with salted caramel icecream was perfect, and interesting…. better than other desserts I’ve had lately…. great way to end a lovely day walking on the sand!

by Tanya
9th April 2012

Uninterested in customers, disorganised and will not be going there again. After being ignored by numerous staff we left, followed by four other tables. Avoid at all opportunity as this is not worth the journey from Auckland.

by Jackee K.
26th January 2012

The meals at Leigh Sawmill were really great – however the rude customer service we received over shadowed our meals. The young waitress was from overseas and although she could not understand our thick kiwis accents was still really pleasant. However as we were running late from Auckland and the tone changed when we arrived. We were celebrating my sister and brother in laws wedding anniversary. Meals came out to our table in no particular order, we were not asked which meal belonged to which person they were slid across the table to us by one very disgruntled waitress. When I did mention how rude she was being her attitude became worse toward us. We would not dine there again based on the poor customer service. All credit to the Chef as our meals were great.

by Zane T.
16th August 2011

Great food, we had the gratuitous pizza among others and it was FANTASTIC! 12 gauge beer knocked my socks off while tasting awesome. Great atmosphere, we stuck around for an event called house arrest with Thane Kirby and it was the best night I’ve had for ages! Accommodation on site too so I could just stumble to bed. Beats going into town any day!

by Olivia C.
16th August 2011

Fabulous!! Amazing setting! the atmosphere is so cool, been here a few times and each time we receive awesome friendly service, a fantastic selection of beverages and the meals are great.
I always find food portions more than generous.. and the pizzas are delish!!
Nothing better than going there over summer and can chill in the backyard in the sun with a beer after a day at the beach! Last time I went we stayed for an evening gig one of the sawmill selaktaz parties and it was an awesome night!! We will always continue to return back every time we want to venture out of the city hustle bustle.

by jeremy G.
20th July 2011

seems a common theme here, we were charged $250 for dinner for two, two pizzas $12.50 each, one dessert at $15 and two drinks at $8 plus wedges $9, staff was over the top friendly and that was great but they had no idea what was going on with the invoice, ruined a great night, got to do better guys.

Comment from BEN G. of Leigh Sawmill Cafe 2/08/2011    Hide »

Unfortunately it does look like a few steps were missed (or a bit…    More »

Unfortunately it does look like a few steps were missed (or a bit backward!) when it came time to pay your bill. Please let me assure you that it is certainly not our policy to deliberately overcharge our customers. Knowing the staff that were on that night, it would have been a case of unintentional human error, with the previous tables bill not being totally cashed off before your new items were added – hence $251.
We will be addressing the issue to make sure all front of house staff follow the same steps when taking payment so this does not happen in the future.
We hope you will make the trip up to dine with us again, and give the Sawmill a second chance.

by Emma
28th January 2011

We were EXTREMELY dissapointed with our experience here.
The staff were rude and careless and we were charged for meals we didnt get.
Lack of choice on the lunch menu and over priced. Do not order the seafood platter! Very small.
A real shame as we travelled out of the way to eat here.

by Tom
26th July 2009

We have been many times and enjoyed our meal but we went recently and had to buy takeaways at Orewa on the way home as the meals were so small

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