Hale + Mary - Table reservation

My adult son suggested we meet at Hale & Mary for dinner so, just to be sure, I called to reserve a table. The call (during advertised business hours) was not answered, instead I was invited to leave a message which I did.We arrived at the bar to be told there was no reservation. Not a great start however there were plenty of tables free so no problem. A waitress came over and offered table service if we opened a tab, which I did. Food and drinks were ordered, and all arrived promptly. Let me describe the bar. The intention is an "American style sports bar" with lots of large high definition television screens showing various sports and a room full of high tables with bar stools and a couple of low tables with chairs. Beyond that the decor/atmosphere could probably be described as minimalist. Beyond the screens, the similarities with any sports bar I have visited in the USA, is probably best described as fleeting. The food; four meals were ordered and only the NY style steak was rated at more than 7/10. Next was the burger at 7/10 with the double beef patties reminiscent of those to be found at a large scottish burger chain. The "wings" were deep fried with a sauce liberally poured over the top. Not like those I have often enjoyed US sports bars. The ribs received the lowest score at just 3/10. Didn't really appear BBQed and meagre application of sauce. Quite fatty too. So the food could reasonably be described as average "Aussie pub" food.Finally, the service; After the prompt delivery of our initial order of drinks and food, any attention from our waitress was only achieved after a lengthy period of gesticulation and calling to a passing waitress. In short the service was appalling and nothing even remotely reminiscent of any sports bar frequented in North America. I was later told that the bar was short staffed that evening, so hopefully service might be expected to be better. Of course the establishment's staffing issues should not be simply borne by customers and lamely explained away as "someone called in sick". Despite initial impressions it is possible we will return, likely in warmer days, to see if "it was an unfortunate evening."

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We hired the back area here for my partners 30th. The team at Hale and Mary, both prior to and during the event were absolutely fantastic! I cannot speak highly enough of them.The food was really good (our only complaint was that there was far more than we expected!), and excellent for a pub / bar type of venue. The venue also has a ridiculous amount of TVs around, meaning the sport mad can watch whatever their heart desires. Only downside is the venue is a bit small and cramped when it is full. Fantastic overall, and filling a real void in the Kingston / Manuka area!

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Our favourite restaurant at Kingston was closed when we needed to eat so we looked for somewhere close by to eat - and we made a poor choice.I accept that the establishment is a sports bar but that shouldn't mean that the food has to be poor.The food was very basic and, for what it was, expensive.The staff were friendly and helpful but that didn't make up for the poor food. In future, when I need to eat at Kingston, I shall go back to my favourite restaurant or try somewhere else there.

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Tried to swap potatoes chips for sweet potato chips in a meal as I can't eat normal potatoe. Wanted to charge $4 more even though a hole bowl doesn't cost much more. Bad serves, hospitality wasn't great

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We are here from Victoria went there to watch the Horn boxing fight, what a great place meal was delicious, staff were great. It was such a great atmosphere. Highly recommend Thank you for a great day

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