Reviewed by
rgrant
on
July 16, 2011
We held the wedding and reception for our daugher at The Narnia Estate in late May, 2011.
The venue is very beautiful for an outdoor wedding. Additionally they have a fine backup in the reception tent in the event of bad weather. Our wedding was held indoors because of storms (the thunder added a bit of drama to the actual ceremony). The Narnia staff was very helpful and accomadating in all the arrangments and the ceremony was wonderful.
The problem began at the reception. The first three tables were served chicken breast which was raw inside!. Of course the kitchen was immediately notified and there ensued a delay of about one hour before the remainder of the 189 guests were served their main course. Consequently the evening's programme was a train wreck (guests have to be out by 11:00pm).
I understand problems happen in kitchens (a bad oven in this case). But at around $70 per guest, you expect a higher class kitchen service. Believing we had not gotten value for what we paid, I approached the management about compensation. I suggested 20% and they offered 5%. Because friends in the entertainment and service industries stated that 20% was quite appropriate, I replied that I did not think 5% at all fair. They responded by asking what sort of compensation I would think fair to not post any negative comments on the internet. I replied that I had no interest in that level of discussion and that they should do what they believed was good. Since that time no compensation has been forthcoming.
It is a shame that such a delightful setting for a wedding a reception should be marred by poor business practice. Because all is paid before the wedding day, if you elect to use Narnia, make sure that your contract has clear statements of compensation should things like this happen.