Review Speights Ale House Tower Junction - Christchurch

Servivce was good, polite staff and the food came out in a fairly reasonable rate. Presentation and taste of the food ordered was great. We went on a Saturday night when there were no sports happening, and the place was fair quite, so worked out well as we also had a child, so wasn't noisy. A decent selection on the kids menu that also includes an ice cream sundae.

We had a lovely evening, last night, to celebrate my sister-in-law's birthday. It was an ideal venue for mixed age groups. The waitress was superb, and nothing was too much trouble. I think the others in the group were happy with their meals. I ordered bangers and mash, and was surprised when the dish arrived that it had fried onion rings and fried bread on top. The sausages were tasty, but the mashed potatoes seemed 'reconstituted' and not freshly made. Most disappointing was the so-called onion gravy. I couldn't see or taste any onion (was this the reason for the onion rings on top?), possibly because I wasn't able to taste anything above the smoke flavour. At the end of the meal, I checked the menu, as I thought I had misread what was included in 'bangers and 'mash' - I hadn't!

A good old piece of the south island heart displaying its quality right here. Great service and always a smile on the bar staff's face whe you arrive! Quickly served with a perfect price for a jug. Highly recommend!

Can't fault our dinner tonight! The staff were welcoming & super friendly & the meals were really generous & tasty. Only comment would be too many chips (French fries) for me, so gave half to my hubby! Totally enjoyed our meal!

Really really surprised by the experience had. Amazing service and fantastic food. A simple bacon and chicken carbonara that rated amongst the best I've had. Muscles as a starter that tasted as fresh as you can expect with a perfect sauce. And a salmon dish really well cooked. Even the seasonal Speights beer was good. Highly recommended for a beer and a bite.

Stopped into Speights Ale House for Dinner tonight. Restaurant seemed quiet but it was a Tuesday night so to be expected I guess. Hostess was quick and friendly greeting me as I came in! She took my drink order and delivered it with the Menu. Came back quick and timely to grab my order. I ordered the Chicken Parcel with chips and salad. It was absolutely delicious. The filo pastry was crispy and the Chicken Breast Stuffing was smooth and tasty, flavoured with Sundried Tomato, Red Onion and Cream Cheese. It has a side helping of Peach Chutney which compliments the Parcels beautifully. Generous portion of chips and salad make this a meal worth choosing! A new favourite of mine at Speights Ale House! Manager checked in with me too and the service was good. I’ll be back! Thanks team!

Thank goodness I booked. Very busy lunch time crowd. But service was excellent as was table attentiveness. Wait time for meals was not too long and the meals absolutely excellent. Can highly recommend the lamb shank and chicken parcel meals.

This place is a great place to visit, whether it is a Winter's night by the fireplace or a summer's day in the beer garden the atmosphere is very nice. A great selection of food and beverages served by friendly attentive staff.

We were able to get a table in a Saturday night which was really good. The food was delicious and they were good options. They had some good options on the menu. Would definitely recommend if you are looking for a good Speight's to eat at.

Had lunch Saturday 18th. Enjoyable experience, food ery good. Served by young lady right into her job. Very good. Thankyou.

Food was good, service great, only down side was the group I was with go smushed into a busy corner and was constantly bumped and knocked into.

I couldn't believe how quiet it was when we went on a Friday night. The food was exceptional and the staff were lovely.

Great place for a catch up and awesome food. Service was A+, quick service usual waiting time. Very busy with a full restaurant,

Love coming to the speights ale Houses so that I can have a good cider, more placed should serve it! I thought the staff here we're very attentive and the pricing was ok. For main I ordered the southern man steak. It was huge! Everything on the plate was cooked well. The steak was delicious and went really well with the salsa Verde which was packed with flavour. The mashed potatoes were good and loved them with the onion gravy. The vegetables were nice too. My husband ordered the coconut and blue caracao cheesecake for desert. It lacked flavour and the base was hard and flavorless.

Went for a meal with my family. Staff were extremely helpful at seating us and accommodating all our different food allergies. They were able to make sure that some of the meals were gluten free, dairy free or egg free. Nothing was a problem. Meals were excellent to look at especially the burgers and chips being served on chopping boards. The children loved them. I had a pasta dish which was nice but the salad was very small and contained mainly watercress. All up an enjoyable lunch in a relaxing place. I would especially like to thank all the staff serving us; THANK YOU!

Went to Speight’s Ale House for lunch today, I decided to try the Kumara, Date, and Pear salad while my family got the classic kiwi meals. Food was lovely, could tell that the fish was frozen but that is common now in restaurants. Also a pleasant atmosphere outdoor or inside by the fire on the cooler days.

So disappointed. I ordered steak with mash and gravy. The steak itself was tolerable, but the mashed potato was about the consistency of baby food, bordering on liquid, and the whole thing was drowned in a lake of bland gravy, so it was pretty much steak in a flavourless swamp. My husband's sausage and mash was similar- more like sausage in onion soup than sausage with mash and onion gravy. The service was about as indifferent as the meal. Left without risking dessert- not planning any return visits.

Have been here a few times and the food has always been incredibly disappointing. Beer is beer if it's Speights. But definitely do not recommend the food, spend your money on better food elsewhere.

The food is nice and there is a great menu but the bartenders aren't enthusiastic about working nor are they very inviting, the menus could do with a reprinting. Other than that I'm sure it's nice normally as your one stop shop for a pub meal. <br/><br/>The food: <br/><br/>Unable to do whole garlic breads but are able to offer a brioche with olive oil and garlic butter. $9 <br/><br/>Blue and gold is good. Wouldn't rate the batter on the fish nor would I rate the tartar sauce. The slaw is alright and the chips are tasty. $28.50<br/><br/>The small pork ribs pretty damn good, rated 8/10 with plenty of sauce, roasted potatoes and slaw. <br/><br/><br/>I wouldn't personally recommend but I am sure that this is a fine place for a drink and some fries, yes. <br/><br/><br/>

Dined here twice and both times I have ordered the ribs! So delicious and definitely worth looking like a mess. Service is average, place is usually crowded and food is above average.

Unfortunately our meals were not up to the price standard. I suspect they employ a cook rather than a qualified chef. This is a ale house that need to up their game...quickly!

The menu is almost too big (not actually a bad thing) so it takes you ages to decide on what to have, because too much looks too good. So basically I just need to return heaps! First time dining I ordered the ribs, and because they are only made more awesome by being an entertainment book location, I went screw it, I'll get the large. Well when that platter, yes platter of a meal came out, we couldn't stop laughing at the size of if! Waaaaay too much food for one chick. So clearly I just stated "challenge accepted". As my belly started to fill and I said just one more, they seemed to multiply! The ribs were yummy, the "chips" (basically roasted spuds) were also delish, couldn't fault them. My friends steak was also a wonderful meal. Definitely be back. Brilliant pub food!

Went for lunch on a Friday with a group from work. We had pre-booked and pre-ordered the food. But even after that there was a significant delay in getting the food out. But I must say, the manager did apologize for the delay. The food was presented well, was of good size and tasted good, although the bread that came with the fish pie and soup was a bit tough. The place wasn't crowded at all - a couple of tables inside and a few in the outside was all but for some reason the staff seemed very busy, less friendly and detached. The manager did come over and asked how the meals were so that's a tick. The restaurants set up is nice, and I like the fact that you can either sit in the restaurant inside, or at the bar tables or the outside dining area.

After doing a little spot of shopping at Tower Junction it was time for lunch so my son and I stopped in to the speights ale house for a meal, he had eggs bene, I had seafood chowder. The meals were ok, we were hungry so ok was just fine for us. We sat in the bar area, now I know that's not the restaurant so table service was obviously not procedure for this area however when your not busy I suggest instead of standing around the bar just use your initiative and give the best service you can. I also suggest bringing cutlery to the table before the food. The manager did ask how our meals were so tick for that, if she had of asked about the service I would have told her there was no flow and suggested she send the sick girl behind the bar home.

Went along to Ale House Friday night with three others for a birthday celebration. Without exaggeration, one of the *worst* dining experiences I have ever had. From sitting down to receiving our mains took over 80 minutes! We had to fight for a waiter's attention to order in the first place . We made a complaint to one waiter who - in a spaced out manner - told us "well, yeeeah... there's been a delay with food tonight ..." Yeah, we knew that! Clueless. <br/><br/>After a wait of epic proportions, my expectations for a great meal were high. I had ordered the mussels in coconut broth - served with bread. For nearly $30, the joke was certainly on me. 16 or so mussels in shells (piled up in a bowl to look substantial), however contained within were mussels only slightly larger than my thumbnail. The broth was sickly sweet. The mussel meat taken out of the shells would have been less than 100g. <br/><br/>My partner ordered the sausages and mash. She complained the sausage was dry. The plate was drenched in gravy (NOT home made - tasted like an oxo cube - not nice). her Sister had steak which was comped due to it being raw and cold.<br/><br/>I wasn't expecting much, but even then I was bitterly disappointed. Dismal experience. * out of ****.

Split the platter with a friend for lunch. A good size with good variety. Pretty empty place but it was a week day lunch. Not the best but a long way from the worst.

This branch is fantastic for a drink and a bite to eat however if it's a nice meal you're after this wouldn't be my first choice. Service standard varies but it's never been so bad that i wouldn't go back.

Went last night. Funny place, food is usually good but sometimes the combination of items seems odd, cherry chicken on bed of kumara mash with a rich sauce and a "salad" - all on the same plate! The menu seems to have (in my opinion) these odd combinations all through it. Overall though the meals are fine without being real stunners.

Tidy pub atmosphere. Liked the central bar area - clean, bit cluttered in parts. Plenty of staff all looked very busy - but stopped and welcomed.<br/>Ordered drinks and said we were interested in meals. The restaurant part wasnt open but were able to sit anywhere. Sunny day so sat outside, right on the road way, little separating from the walk way and road to the pub. If you are non smoker - then maybe not for you. Smoke was blowing across tables. Not good when food is being eaten by others.<br/>Very quiet for a Saturday afternoon. Seating was benches or high stools. Would loved to have had some chairs with backs.<br/>Loved the history behind the Speights story.<br/>Wait staff remained nameless, no one asked if we enjoyed are meals or required anything else. Another offer of a drink with our meal would have been great or water, which was help yourself, as we were seated an eating  being waited on would have been good. Meal came with salt and pepper and Ketchup delivered to the table.<br/>Extensive menu selection. Difficult making a choice. Was looking for a surf and turf.<br/>Settled instead for a gourmet beef burger. Looked impressive. Beef pattie was a little dry and crumbled at the insertion of the knife. And bacon was a little under cooked - soft. Lettuce was a bit limp.Taste wise was ok. I would rate it average.<br/>The other main was vegetable parcels - large serving. Great pastry. Good tasting. Was indeed large. Vegetables cooked perfectly. Side of crispy potatoes.<br/>This place has a website and menu online. Plenty of parking<br/>I had an entertainment voucher. Cost $32.60 - slightly overpriced.<br/>Would I return - decision is out on this one. Maybe. After all it is a pub, good for pub grub, but not as a restaurant.

Came here on my holiday back home with great memories of the place. <br/><br/>The waitress was a ditz and we waited over 45 minutes for our food.<br/><br/>My meal was good although the ribs were a little dry. My friends were served raw steak and what looked like frozen packet vegetables.<br/><br/><br/>A complaint was made to the manager who assumed responsibility and wiped the steaks from the bill. He was absolutely great.  Overall it used to be much better- I would have given it a 5 back then but I was disapointed.

One Hour and 45 minutes wait for a main. We had pre booked a table for a group of seven. I know the rugby was on down the road but it should have been planned for. I couldn't tell you what my meal tasted like because i had to in-hail it as we had tickets to the rugby. Ended up we were late for the game and missed kick off. The waitress orginally said 45 minutes wait which was fine, but an extra hour on top of that is unacceptable and every time we asked how far away the meal was, the reply was 5 or 10 minutes. Its costs a small fortune when you only have there alcohol to drink while you wait, no complementary drinks and no apologies. Disappointed.

New years eve night out we were the only ones left in the place at 11 pm and asked to go ! Full marks to our waiter Caleb who tried so valiantly to make us cocktails and Irish coffees if he hadn't been focused on customer service the evening would have been a big disappointment. Give the man a pay rise boss !

Due to the large smoking area outside and all the doors being left open, the inside of this place stinks of smoke as well. Not a good experience at all. Definitely will not be going back here again unless it becomes smoke free.

Not an altogether pleasant experience.<br/>There was a group of nine of us but even though it was quiet (with Sparks in the Park) it took a while to get to the food and what was eaten was rather disappointing!<br/>My main was High Country Hog (Pork Loin Cutlets) which should be straightforward but no there were only two pieces (whilst fish and chip eaters got three?) and these were rather dry and overcooked and were very salty! Chips under the meat should never be served as they become wet and soggy!! Salad was dull and a bit lifeless.<br/>The dessert of Banhoffie Pie was a little better! I had two pints of cider and told the very pleasant waitress who said she would "pass it on to the kitchen" - yeah right!<br/>The staff were very nice and helpful but the $66 bill was wounding!<br/>I doubt that I will be returning. Give me a good reason!

Had dinner here sat night with a friend, staff friendly enough but as for the meal I wouldn't go back, had the blue and gold fish which tasted slightly off, bread was very tough and struggled to cut it let alone chew it, very disappointed.

Had a lovely lunch there on Tuesday. Good service, food arrived promptly even though they were busy and the fish and chips were fab. Would recommend giving this place a go.

Ate there for lunch earlier this month. Service was OK; we were seated quickly and had orders taken promptly. However, the food took FOREVER (more than one hour!) which is riduculous for a lunch service.

6 of us dined there last night. The venue was ok although a bit croded, but the meal!! I orded lamb rump, as did someone else in our group. It was so tough I could literally not cut it with my knife. The two lamb rump meals served to our table were presented totally differently, so much so that it would be difficult to say they were both meant to be the same meal. Mine came sitting on a bed ofmushrooms. The other one didn't have a single mushroom. The potato layer was quite good.<br/>I've been there before and the meal was ok, but after this time, I wouldn't go back again

Arrived at the booked time to be told there would be a 45mt wait! Ater discussion, decided that in view of the wet day, we might as welll stay. I got the worst meal I reckon; corn fritters. I often order (at other restaurants) and make these treats. They were tastless, crumbly and gluggy. The salsa was bland and the ubiquitous lettuce made up the numbers. I ate about half the meal. BUT the bacon was delicious! However $21 for bacon is a bit steep.What was really maddening was not being able to buy a drink despite the fact that one staff member was on the till only about 12 inches from me, but she made no acknowledgement at all. The other staff member was involved in a prolonged order from the only other patron at the bar. I gave up. The good news is that there are plenty of enjoyable restaurants and cafes in Christchurch with friendly staff and tasty food.

Have been here a few times before and it has always been an OK experience, but this time was much different! I dined here as part of a group of 11 who had pre booked. As it was a nice evening, we asked if it was OK to sit outside. We were told this was fine as long as we didn't mind ordering at the bar. Not a problem! <br/>We all went up together and ordered separately but made it quite aware we were all part of the same group. I was served by a rather unfriendly man, but never the less, he still did his job. <br/>When it came to receiving our meals, my black cherry chicken came out first. Rather disappointing to see a chicken breast with a dollop of Barkers cherry patisserie filling on top! After waiting 5 minutes for the next meal to arrive, my friends insisted on me starting on my chicken so it didn't go cold. Taste wise, rather un interesting and bland! Could have done with a bit of salt and pepper (which we had to ask the waitress for). After 15 minutes, 8 of us had meals, but still not the couple and one other who ordered first! <br/>Their meals - a bowl of fries, a bowl of wedges and some mussels, still hadn't arrived. I asked the waitress when she came back to meal check where they were! She disappeared and came back 5 minutes later with their meals, the only explanation being 'the bar side is getting hammered tonight' An apology would have been nice! <br/>It's not hard to time meals so they go out together, so all in all, a rather disappointing experience. We usually use this spot because its location is convenient to catch up with friends and family, but not again. Have been to other Ale House's around NZ and never experienced this problem

I went here for my birthday with family and friends. Meals were good, I think everyone knows the Bealy Ave one is better but I was happy with our meals. The only thing is my friend ordered a ceaser salad, she asked for no bacon but it didn't even come with any chicken. Apparently you have to ask to add that. It would have been nice to know that I could have ordered mash instead of fries with my steak. I hope they read these reviews because it has potential to be a lot better. Best Long Island iced teas I have ever had. 3 and a half stars.

Went here for lunch today with a table of 6. To start with wait staff were friendly. Our meals took ages to come and when they did they were cold. We had simple meals, seafood chowder, salad and vege stack. Advised the wait staff they were cold and they apologised and took away. The meals came back a few minutes later, it was very obvious they had been microwaved as there was a skin on the soup and veges tough. Wait staff came to see how meals were said still cold and obvious been microwaved, she asked do we want to speak to manager, we said it wasn't good enough the quality of the meals and I would have thought that was a given, never saw the manager and never asked when paying how meals were. The food here is usually faultless but definitely not today. A coffee at our table that was ordered with the mains took longer to come that the reheated mains. Very disappointed, the place was not busy and there was alot of wait staff on.

Went here for my boyfriend's birthday and the chicken with cherry sauce I had was delicious! I didn't think the Cherry would go with my Chicken so I asked for it on the side, but the Cherry sauce made the chicken taste even better! Everyone else seemed to be enjoying their meal too and the staff was friendly

Wife and I went here for lunch. It was okay. She had the fish special, gurnard on pumpkin with a side salad, she enjoyed that. I had the blue and gold ie blue cod salad and fries. It was okay had three pieces of cod and they all tasted different! I couldn't really put my finger on it. Unsure if fresh or not. Okay place to go if you want a feed with noting fancy at all. Staff were okay however like most franchised places they go through their duties like automatons providing service with a detached indifference.

This branch of Speights Ale House doesn't even compare to the one on Bealey Ave in service and quality. The level of service is virtually non-existant. When enquiring at the counter about the snacks menu the server was quite arrogant, not very helpful, and seemed too busy to give attention to my queries about the food. Then when the food came the quality was ok but not great. And the atmosphere was lacking as well. I got the impression from the staff that they just didn't really care. It's weird, because the one in Bealey Ave is absolutely fantastic in service, quality of food, and atmosphere. When I go to this one it's like I've come to a completely different pub! It just shows you that it's not always about the brand, but about the staff they employ, and the atmosphere/location etc.

we have eaten here on several occasions and have never had a bad meal service is always very efficient and we have always enjoyed our experience here.We brought some family from overseas in for dinner and they are still talking about the wonderful meal they had

Don’t go here if you don’t like your steak char-grilled (it doesn’t mention that on the menu) and the vege filo parcel of late includes only potato, carrot, hummus and creamed cheese. Fairly certain there was no feta as was advertised on the menu.

I went for lunch today with a group of co-workers. I ordered calamari and it was very chewy, greasy and I needed a lot of tomato sauce to kill the taste. When I went to pay at the bar and mentioned to the barman that the meal was not that good, he looked “through” me and moved to the next customer. Simply unbelievable. And this is not the first time that the meal is barely eatable. One is for sure: I will not be back.