My husband took me out for dinner to the The Duke Of Marlborough. As it was my first time, and I'd heard such great reviews, I was very excited. He made reservations and asked for a nice table as we were celebrating our Anniversary. We were given a beautiful table. The waiters were very nice and the main was lovely. The food was beautifully plated. However, that's were the positive aspects end.

I ordered a gin to start. Instead, I was given a glass of white wine. When that was sent back, I was brought a gin and tonic. When I questioned that, I was told that was what I ordered. At that point, I gave up.

The lamb entree was flavorful and tender, but overcooked. And, the recommended "steamed greens" consisted mostly of lightly steamed cauliflower florets. This was not a good accompaniment to my main.

To finish the meal, we decided to have the three chocolate dessert. Both of us were hard pressed to find any chocolate flavor.

On top of this, no one said Happy Anniversary. Overall, I was disappointed.

Couldn’t fault the flavours, given it was such a busy night with a full restaurant and a wedding to cater for in the adjoining function room. Our only minor criticism was the potatoes accompanying the steak were lukewarm. Minor issue given the quality of the food and service. Will definitely be back

My partner and I stayed overnight on 27 April. The evening meal was only average. My partner could not finish his eye fillet as it was very chewy. I had the pork fillet which was very nice.
Breakfast was appalling. We arrived at 8.30am for our continental breakfast. 4 strips of very dry bacon left, no scrambled egg left, when I asked for a poached egg I was told in no uncertain terms that this wasn’t possible, that the chef was too busy. No beans left. A few small sausages and 2 lonely hash browns, but quite a few tomatoes. The replacement scrambled egg arrive 45 mins later as we were leaving .Coffee was ordered when we arrived and I had to request a second time after completion of my breakfast. Our overnight stay included 2 course dinner and breakfast but I believe the breakfast is $27.50 certainly not value for money.
The Duke of Marlborough has a great reputation and as locals we thought we would support the local business. Will think twice next time.

Such an awesome place to have drinks as the sun is going down. Attentive staff and nice drinks but high prices especially if you have a cocktail!

We had a great meal with the family overlooking Russel waterfront and Jetty. Burgers and chips were amazing! A refreshing pit-stop while traveling by boat around the Bay of Islands for a few days.