The Alma

Inje ( 50s, Female )

We went to the Alma for a farewell party for a friend of ours, and it proved to be a good venue because those who wanted to eat could do so, while others just came later to join us for a drink. We had the baked salmon and the pork chop – both substantial and well-cooked and served (sweet potatoes that came with the chop a particular highlight). We also enjoyed a bottle of sparkling New Zealand wine (one of several Kiwi items available for purchases). An enjoyable evening, however, was had in spite of the service – first, we were given the wrong food; second, we had to wait ages to order drinks; and third, after we asked for the bill we actually waited an hour – AN HOUR! – for it to be supplied. We were, at that point, the only people left in the restaurant. The bill included a 12.5% service charge which we declined to pay, which elicited an expression of disgust from the bartender – rather than, say, a query about what had gone wrong or an apology, which added insult to injury. However, perhaps she was already in a bad mood because of the manager, who had spent the evening loudly cursing at her and her other colleague. Nevertheless, we'll be back. Perhaps in disguise because they probably hate us for our non-payment of the service charge.