Review Speight's Ale House Palmerston North - Palmerston North

Had lunch at the Speights Ale House, The service was great, the staff were very welcoming and had a smile on their face. The atmosphere was good, great music, very spacious with lots of tables/Seats available. The food was nice, Steak was a little chewy and the green Veges were hard but other than that it was good. The Caesar side salad was yum too!

Place was quite busy on a Friday afternoon but reception and service was brilliant Food was well prepared and presented. The quality of the food was great.

Very friendly, helpful and smiley service. It is always nice to see! Excellent food. Kids menu is actually very nice quality food. Not just “chicken nuggets”. Sundae on top 😉We will definitely come back! It’s not too loud here so you can actually have a conversation 😉

Fantastic service, prompt, polite. The girl we had waiting on us was amazing. Excellent, excellent, scrumptious food-compliments to the cook! Great range to choose from on menu. Happy to return.

We came here for our work Christmas lunch and it was really good. The food was delicious and the place just has a great vibe. The music was 🔥 and the guys all had the drinks they liked too. Thank you so much for having us even though we turned up early and took over the bar lol

We came in late 2 minutes before the kitchen but they were still able to service wonderful hearty meals with generous portion. The customer service was top notch! Well done to the ladies at the bar. The pub was clean, spacious and original.

Easy to book online and liked I could add accessible needs on it. Wheelchair friendly ,y with loads of parking. Friendly ,y staff and clean n fresh restaurant. Food was superb. Quite noisy just fyi so not for quiet meals great range of both alcoholic n non alcoholic drinks

The bar meal of fish & chips plus an add on of side salad and not forgetting a glass of Speights Old Dark is the perfect lunch while shopping in Palmy. A bar meal is the right size for a senior and not too expensive.

We watched the All Blacks Rugby world cup final at your venue, as we are from out of town. We walked in to friendly family oriented place, you made us feel welcome regardless of how busy you were. Food was amazing and the service was above and beyond. Thank you for everything we will definitely recommend you to anyone in the future and be back to support you soon.

Really enjoyed the Cardrona Burger. Always a nice atmosphere. Perhaps the table and food took a bit longer than expected, but a great place for a evening out

A busy pub with huge portions of good quality food. The two dishes of ribs were very flavourful, sticky and sweet, and the meat was tender. The steak was a good medium rare and well rested. The lamb fry had several pieces of well seasoned liver, crunchy bacon, on a bed of creamy mash with caramelized onions, all bathed in delicious gravy. It came with a thick piece of soft toast and creamy butter that instantly melted.<br/><br/>The service and time for the food to come up were a bit slow although the wait staff were very nice.<br/><br/>We had used a 2 for 1 voucher (pay for the most expensive dish and get the other dish free), so with 4 dishes and 4 cups of alcohol, the total came to just over $100.

Good quality food; for my entree I ordered the half Malthouse platter to share between four which was really well put together. For my main I ordered the chicken parcel which was beautiful and so flavorful. The rest of my table ordered the moeraki mussels which everyone loved, and crumbed camembert which was also very lovely. For mains they had steaks which were cooked well and the ribs that were flavoured perfectly.<br/>Slow service; we went on a Saturday night so it was a bit full but our food ended up taking almost over half an hour to arrive<br/>Friendly; the staff were very polite and kind, welcomed us to our table with smiles and throughout the night made sure we were comfortable.<br/><br/>Overall a very good experience.

Food was great, I booked for 4 adults and 2 children needing high chairs. When I arrived they pointed towards where I was sitting and took their time bringing high chairs. They were all huddled around the counter and it was not busy at all. Other wise service was good and food was great. First impressions always last and I’m not sure I would spend that amount of money there again.

Had to provide our ID 5 times this night which was really annoying but understand it’s policy. Food took around 45-50min to come. But when it did it was really nice and extremely filling. The highlight of the night was the chocolate mud cake was amazing

Chicken burger and fries. I approve ✔✅✔✅✔✅✔✅. Service was good. Was quite an expensive night but cant really complain about much it was a good night

Loved our dinner with you guy's last night, your staff were absolutely awesome serving us so professionally . oh and by the way your civil defence lady that evacuated us was very prompt awesome job done. Loved everything thank-you all for your hospitality. Palmerston North absolutely rock's.

Waitress knocked half of the chips of a meal on to the floor and failed to compensate us for her mistake, very poor customer service, not happy

This place has amazing food with the best atmosphere in Palmerston North! A true staple for kiwi food. There is often more on the menu than is listed on zamato.

We go here quite regularly and always have a pleasant experience, both as a couple or in a larger group.  Prices are similar to other restaurants in town, so a fairly standard price and the atmosphere is nice.  Good range at the bar, even if you aren't a fan of speight's. Our go to place for different dinner events.  LOVE the calamari - we will often go in and order calamari, wedges and a few drinks for date night :)

Probably the worst restaurant I have ever dined out at - only chose to come here as we had a free meal voucher (which they wouldn't let me use). Customer service was terrible and actually made me feel really bad - and this was from the owner/manager Tim. The attitude that we received from the young workers was atrocious I will not be dining here again and will warn as much people as possible.

The food was not good to say the least. i ordered the corn fritters large, however there is 2 options on the menu and mine were tiny so im thinking i ordered and paid for the large yet received the small. they were slightly burnt, flat and not very tasty. my salad and chips and sauces were all good. All my fellow diners had issues with their food both in taste and appearance. We felt ripped as the food was not cheap. The service was good. Unfortunately i will not be returning.

Went to eat here today service was very good beer was great but I hate to say the ribs I had were tough. The potato dish was cold, what a pity but anyway the rest of my group enjoyed their food. Just had the sticky date pudding sad it was a slice of cake with sauce and cheap ice cream

We just arrived from travelling from Whakatane and decided to go out for dinner instead of grabbing KFC. Anyway a family of 7 with 5 teenage boys they ordered the burgers and were very happy with that and dad ordering the drunken steak and mum having the salmon. All our meals were lovely the staff were very friendly and was very cosy considering it was winter. Definetly will return.............thanks for an enjoyable evening

Booked dinner for 4 on Thursday night. Arrived at 6.30pm and restaurant was quite busy. Purchased a drink and where shown to our table. The staff were fast and efficient and friendly. <br/>orders were taken and food was delivered very quickly. <br/>Meals were perfect, steaks were cooked to requirements. Vegetables where fresh and crisp. <br/>I would recommend Speight's to any one wanting a great meal at a reasonable price.

Around 12 of us went for dinner early on Saturday evening. Despite tumbleweed moving slowly through the empty dining areas, they were booked out for the night. We decided to perch in the bar area and pushed some tables together so we could chat.<br/><br/>We ordered food and were happy when told that it would arrive as and when because the kitchen was "very busy with the busy dining area". When it arrived the calamari looked burnt to a cinder but was tender inside, the fries were great. The ostrich burger and Moroccan chicken were fine. <br/><br/>However the steaks were a completely different matter. One eye fillet, which was ordered well done, was so raw it was moo-ing. Ermintrude went back to the kitchen to be cooked again. Around 30 mins later the second steak arrived, this one had popped in for a beer on its way to the slaughter house, it was that raw! Mushroom sauce and raw blood don't mix well at all. Daisy went back to be cooked again but when she returned still wasn't cooked through and was very grisly. If you are going to charge $30 for steak, at least cook it like the diner orders, please. <br/><br/>Several of us had the sausages, mash, gravy and bread. Although it tasted ok it looked unappealing and very 'beige' in colour. It needs something extra to lift this dish.<br/><br/>All of this coming and going had taken around three hours, just to be served our mains. We would have loved to stayed for coffee but the bar stools are so a#$% numbingly uncomfortable, it was all we could do to shuffle to the door. A sofa or two for patrons who want to have coffee away from the bar or dining area, would be a great idea. <br/><br/>On the up side the place looked clean and tidy, but we went here for the food and it wasn't up to much at all.

On Sat night we went with a group of friends. Two of us had the chicken salad and 2 had the calimari. These dishes were very good.<br/><br/> But, my husband had the Drunken steak with the eye fillet. Asked for well done, got medium rare. He sent it back and when it came out again it was edible. Another member of our party had the same and hers was even bloodier. She sent it back and when it came out again was still the same. Been here on 2 previous occasions and could not fault it. New person in the kitchen or bad batch of steak?<br/><br/>Hard to give 1/2 a star.<br/><br/>

This place looks great, the menu looks great, great selection, food comes out and looks great. but on tasting my steak (which looked fantastic) it was just ok. Honestly everything tasted kind of watered down. It was still good, but certainly not great. Staff were ok, but didn't seem very interested like they would be in a place like say lone star. Also when we went to pay for our meal the guy at the counter said nothing, I just gave him our table number. Say what you will about lone star they usually at least act enthusiastic and say "how were your meals?" Overall a good restaurant but food quality and staff let it down a little.

My husband and myself went for a early meal last night, his ostrich burger, he said was good, but my meal arrived and the schnitzel was burnt on one side.<br/>The waiter asked how how meals were, I mentioned the burnt meat, and he asked what I wanted to do, I said nothing, as if they re cooked mine, my husband would have finished his meal, defeats the purpose of having a meal out together.<br/>Your chefs should get some training if they can't even cook a piece of crumbed meat correctly, not impressed at all.

Have always enjoyed my meals here, well worth the money when you get your meal. I would have given a 5 star but some times you have to wait a bit to long.

A group of us (16+) dined here on Saturday night. We waited for a over an hour for our meal. We watched smaller groups sit down,eat there food, and leave while we were still waiting for our main. We had even booked our seats so why didn't they provide the staff to cater for this!! There were also big blow flies hanging around the windows where we were placed upstairs. Food was average and 2 meals had come 15 minutes after everyone else on our table had received there meals. Also staff need a lesson in customer service, a smile goes a long way.

Dined here on Tuesday night to celebrate a birthday.<br/><br/>We were sat promptly upstairs, which was nice as we were the only people there, but could be cramped if they were having a busy night.<br/><br/>Waitress was very lovely, very prompt service and the beer was nice and cold :)<br/><br/>I ordered the Blue and Gold (Blue Cod with salad and fries). The fish was YUMMY, the salad was nice too, generous helping of dressing on the side. The fries were nothing to write home about but the rest of the meal more than made up for it. Everyone in our group was happy with their meals which were also prompt, well sized, and good quality.<br/><br/>I would go here again :)

Visited Speights Ale House for lunch and found it a good spot for a meal and a drink, relatively close to the square and with plenty of unmetered parking in the lot outside. <br/><br/>The meals were substantial, and competently prepared, perhaps lacking a bit of WOW factor but very satisfactory "meat and two veg" style meals.<br/><br/>The service was good, timely and unobtrusive, and the staff were friendly throughout.<br/><br/>Two meals, with drinks and a coffee came to around $70.<br/><br/>A good meal overall and we will definitely visit again for lunch.

Came in last Thursday with my family for dinner, and we left satisfied and very happy!<br/>We received our meals and drinks very quickly, i had the drunken steak and it was perfectly rare and melted in the mouth.<br/>Our waitress was attentive, professional and so lovely and friendly, we will definitely be back soon. <br/>Thanks so much for a great night guys :)

Have been to Speights over 6 times, for birthdays etc. have loved it it every time. Great service, food is hot and on time, and I even recommend the venison dish. I think portion control and sizing needs to be looked into. Can vary a lot. Have also enjoyed the mood there and the range of drinks

I am absolutely disappointed with the latest dinning experience and will not be returning for a very long time. Recently a group of five dined at Speights Ale House Palmerston North. Firstly, we waited over 50mins for our main meals. Secondly, my partner's main meal was 'forgotten', ended up coming out 20mins after everyone else's. Thirdly, the meals, particularly the salmon and pork belly were totally undersized. The minuscule bits of pork were spread out over the plate almost to disguise how little there was and the crackle was chewy. This meal belonged to my partner, the 'forgotten' meal ended up being free of charge however quality was totally lacking. The $34 salmon was a little over a quarter of an actual salmon steak and the last of the salmon in the kitchen, so obviously the dregs. If there is not enough product in stock, surely this should be explained prior to ordering, and definitely NOT cooked, and spread out on a plate and expect the customer to pay full price???? Our fellow 3 diners left with disappointment also. There were other issues with ordering drinks and another diners dessert was placed on our table without any acknowledgement from the waitress = bizarre!<br/>Overall Speights Ale House in Palmy North needs to lift there game. Poor quality service and food.

Went there earlier today. Had a very nice time. Food was good and the service was even better. Ordered the Drunken steak which was quite tasty. Fries were awesome! Waitress was very friendly and polite. Decor was great too. Overall a very good night out.

We enjoyed our experience here recently. We had a buy one main get one free in the post so decided to take advantage. I rang and booked and asked the lady if we could please be seated somewhere more private - e.g a corner as it was myself and my partner and personally I find nothing worse than to be plonked in the middle of a busy restaurant trying to have a quiet meal with your partner. It's hard to relax. When we arrived my request had been listened to and we were upstairs in the far corner. Perfect! Our waitress was lovely and although they were very busy, we were never left waiting long, and offered drinks once she spotted empty glasses, checked our meals were ok etc. I ordered the pork belly and the pork was melt in the mouth tender but the crackling was soft and this let it down somewhat. Partners lamb shanks were cooked perfectly. It was no trouble to put our leftovers in a container to take home. We enjoyed our experience and will return.

Agree with general tone of some previous reviewers, I have dinned here twice with groups and both times have had issues with quality of meals, they seem to follow the Lone Star format of trading quantity of against quality. Nice enough place for a pint after work and a great garden bar for the summer months , but not the place for a meal ( given the price )

Dined at Speights on a busy Saturday night. I ordered a sirloin steak. It arrived and was obviously burnt (black) when I'd asked for medium-rare. The potato chunks were swimming in a bath of oil that filled the whole plate. I complained and another meal was made. This time steak was good but it was served on a ridiculous amount of potato. My husband had long finished his meal by this time too. Very, very average.

Service is OK but the food is not that we expected (so so). But the beer is good.

Service was average. Very casual. Food took way too long, we went on a Wednesday night and there was hardly anyone in there, it took well over an hour for a piece of overcooked salmon and a burger. We missed our movie because it took so long :(

Staff seem uninterested and were at times quite rude. Despite this the food was good and nicely presented. Perhaps a little training in customer service might be of some use.

After hearing mixed reviews, we finally made time to try this establishment.<br/><br/>We found the Ale House to be a welcoming place, with great effort having been taken to make the surrounds appear rustic without overdoing it. Warm and inviting really fits the bill here. The staff were friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu and specials.<br/><br/>Although it took quite a while, the food that was presented was good looking New Zealand food (I having the beef burger, and my wife, the pork belly).<br/><br/>The portions were very generous, and flavors were both full and complementing, and the gravy on the pork belly was to die for. Also, the suggestions of what beer would go well with what dish would be good for those with a limited beer knowledge.<br/><br/>All up, it was a very pleasant dining experience with magnificent food. The only thing preventing a 5 star is the time we waited for the food. Other than this, it was one of the best places we've eaten in Palmerston North, and we look forward to eating there again.

We stopped in for lunch late on a Friday afternoon. The staff were friendly, quick and engaging.<br/><br/>I had the burger which I really enjoyed as it was old school with a real meat Pattie, beetroot etc.<br/><br/>It was not cheap but you are sitting in nice new surrounds.

Should advertise that you have to be over 18 to eat in there. Turned us away after we had booked but asked us if we wanted to get take away... Not impressed.

Have always had nice meals here although it can be a bit slow waiting for your meal to come out.

The first time I came here, I thought the service terribly slow but was willing to try it again. <br/><br/>Went tonight. Was asked if we wanted drinks before we'd even sat down. Asked for a minute to sort ourselves out...and she never came back. The meals...the kids burger was impossible to bite through. The shanks were chewy and not fall off the bone, hardly any gravy to have with the hard, lumpy dry potato. The calamari was salty. The waiter to his credit did apologise and offered us desserts, but by then we'd had enough and elected to go elsewhere for that. Sorry..but I just wouldn't bother again.

I seem to end up here once a week for lunch. The food is nice enough and the people are genuine, pleasant village folk but the prices are a bit high for what you are receiving.

excellent value for money. Have eaten here many times, every time has been a success. Def. recommend the ribs! Atmosphere is good, very child friendly. Service was excellent.

Was looking for a reasonable, mid range restaurant for an anniversary meal with my partner. On entering we had a member of the bar staff tell us that the main seating area was full, and that we would have to dine on a small bar table surrounded by punters drinking beer and yelling at a rugby match. We checked over the menu to see if we would be missing anything. When it became apparent that our evening lay elsewhere the bar staff asked if the reason we were leaving was because we couldn’t afford the prices.<br/><br/>The whole incident marred a nice evening and left a bitter taste. Went on to have a wonderful meal at the 'Brewers Apprentice' on Church.

Excellent surroundings and staff how ever the beef hamburger was tasteless and some of the food was over priced.