Aquatic Cafe

I am a regular customer. Last Sunday my partner and I hired a private hot pool . We were shocked to see the litter bin full of empty wine and beer bottles. To make matters worse , the toilet was filthy and the walls had what appeared to be human excrement smeared on them . My partner complained to the juniour manager , and he didn't seem to care. Also the whole room looked as if it hadn't been properly in a long time. We were not offered a refund. Until the hygiene issue is rectified we will not be using this facility again. A very upsetting experience. !!

There's nothing wrong with this cafe. It's used by hundreds every day. It's a great place to meet someone, plenty of parking and good to bask in the sun by the window seats. I've been using this cafe for quite a few years now, 2-3 times a week and one thing you'll find is the coffee is strong with the flat white served in smallish cups - not soup bowls. One of the better coffee's out there. It can get very busy especially Saturday mornings around 9am with all the Master's swimmers having their regular breakfast there. Other times you could be the only one there. Food and price is OK for what it is. Can't give it 5 stars because there will often be a baby crying and chairs being pushed and not lifted over the tiled floor can get aggravating. Coffee gets 5 stars!

I find the problem with open source review forums is that they can often give a skewed perspective on the basis of one persons irrational reaction to what was obviously a bad experience. In the interests of fairness to the incredibly hard working family running a valuable service, i felt an alternative view to the only other review on this site was necessary.
As an avid swimmer i regularly have reason to visit the Aquatic Cafe. The nature of the venue means they are often 'slammed' by massive walk-up crowds, not to mention being inundated with excited kids, however, i have never in two and half years of visits seen anything but a professional, friendly and obliging staff - be it the husband and wife team who own it or any of their other crew.



As a self confessed coffee snob, i entirely refute the aspersions cast on their brew - their barista's create coffee of true quality, and they do it consistently.
they match up with the best wellington's powerhouse cafes can offer.

I suspect zed had decided to think the food was 'disgusting' before it arrived at his table. They in fact have a kitchen that produces food of exceptional quality and variety at very reasonable prices. And though the breakfast menu finishes frustratingly early (midday), the all day menu and counter food make it an ideal venue for a weekend brunch - the chicken bagel has to be the best value cafe meal in wellington, and they even keep the kids out of your hair with toys and an extensive childrens menu.



I have no idea what problem zed had, but just because a saying is a cliche, it doesn't make it true, anymore than and to claim ‘The customer is always right a rule you should learn’ has validity to someone who runs a workplace filled with young children and a swimming pool - with all its OSH implications.
I have never seen the staff rude or unreasonable to a customer, however i have seen customers reacting incredibly rudely when asked in a polite way to conform to basic safety rules. I would be interested to know what exactly was the incident that caused you to write such a bitter appraisal zed?
while not doubting that you had an obviously unpleasant time, i do have to question the rationality and motivation of an internet hate campaign, and i would hope the WCC would have the sense to dismiss as childish any official complaint.

i would also hope that no-one would be put off a visit after reading your words - the Aquatic Cafe is well worth checking out. And as its hard working owners open to serve the early morning swim trainers, while not closing until just before the pool itself, it is a god-send for those caffeine addicts that struggle to find a good latte outside of normal cafe hours.

disclaimer/amendment to my ideal brunch destination recommendation - if you cant stand kids id suggest you avoid the weekend....

I've always had great service here and great coffee!! LOVE the freshly made egg sandwiches! Sooo good!

I liked the food, service was great

Great for kids birthday Parties

Great service