It pains me to write this low review; if you look at my profile, I regularly write 5-star reviews…read more
However, I've just experienced an extremely disappointing birthday experience. Having been to the Young Street Brown Hound location a dozen plus times, I decided to try the Agricola location for my Friday evening birthday dinner--a decision I quickly regretted.
I arrived around 7 PM to a full house and sat at one of the two tables by the side entrance, as I was grateful to actually get a seat anywhere in this place. Initially, things started well- I got a server right away who took my order for an Island Folk Cider and the fish and chips. My food was dropped off about 20 minutes later, and the food itself was excellent, just as expected from my Young Street experiences.
However, after my food was dropped off, I received zero service. I sat there for a further half an hour with an empty glass- no offer of another drink- and I missed out on ordering a coffee and dessert. Eventually, a different server came by to clear my plate, and I just asked for the bill. My original server finally reappeared with the bill and debit machine, featuring a 20% automatic gratuity already added.
When I politely told her that I had received *zero* service after my food was dropped off and that it was my birthday, she was genuinely sincere and apologetic, even offering me a drink on the house. While I appreciated her offer, I declined because at that point, I just wanted to leave and go on with the remainder of my evening.
Note: I did not want, nor expect, staff singing, free cake, or any other public or embarrassing hoopla. I just wanted basic service, with additional cider, coffee and dessert offered, which was too much on a busy Friday night on Agricola Street.
* Management note: With this popular location, you appear to need to better staff your evenings so staff is not stretched from working front patio, back patio, inside, bar top, and outer entrance tables where patrons are forgotten about, which is understandable. The lack of service I received reflects solely on *you*, the management, NOT on the servers who are hustling full speed for minimum wages.
The service levels at Agricola Street were laughably lower quality than at Young Street, which is also busy afternoons through evenings and is very popular, with multiple seating areas inside and outside the Young Street location.
As a new businessperson in Halifax, I've received exemplary service all over HRM, at coffee bars, diners, and all food venues, until tonight at Agricola Brown Hound.
I will patronize Stillwell, Studio East, Chain Yard, and the Young Street Brown Hound for future outings that actually provide customer service to their customers, full house or not.
5 Stars for the food, and 2 stars for the sweet, apologetic server I had upon paying my bill--that's it. Never again, and I'll take my hard-earned money elsewhere in the future.
Not that my review matters, in light of the popularity of your pub and its trendy location. Better places, food and service are nearby, friends...