Allpress has some of the best coffee in the world and the retail store in Ponsonby is so brilliant, so I was surprised to find that the Freeman’s Bay café was so crap. I went there every other day for a year and a half and the staff were always indifferent to their customers, most of whom were regulars like myself. (Early in the morning, I don’t expect a conversation, but I do expect a friendly greeting of some sort.) The coffee was pretty average as a result and I certainly do not enjoy paying $4+ for a latte that is half pie.

I usually go to this place for a coffee before I go to work. The main reason is the coffee. Perfect every time. The second reason is to read the paper and set myself up for the day. Staff are great and provide just what I want at this time of day. Coffee and paper. Not looking for chit chat. 5 stars.

Went to allpress over the weekend and was extremely disappointed with the lack of friendly service. Staff here were rude and uninviting. Definately will not return.

I love this cafe – the food’s wonderful, the coffee superb and the staff friendly. A perfect place for a little morning treat.

This cafe makes extremely nice muffins and has a lovely place to sit and enjoy a coffee . . . . However, the ‘two star rating’ I have given them is for the surly attitude of the staff.
Each time I’ve been in there, they’ve given truly below average service. (Not just one, but 3 of the key counter & supervising staff.) Their service is grudgingly given, with ‘huffing-and-puffing’ (!) and even ‘secret’ wide-eyed glances at each other to indicate their annoyance at my request for a takeaway container for the dozen muffins I had just purchased . . . etc, etc.
Their defense was almost an attack, when I quietly told them that I actually felt like they didn’t value my business. Really awful – I definitely won’t return.