Maison De Leo

The food was tasty, and the colourful Christmas decor was lovely, from the tree to the place settings. The buildings and gardens are also beautifully kept, with a quaint villa feel. But service and communication spoiled the day so badly that I won’t return or recommend the venue. This was our Departmental Christmas lunch on 5 December 2025. While arrangements were being finalized, Mandy, whose role as manager or owner I’m unsure of, came across as cold, abrupt and rude in her emails. On the day she seemed irritated by every request. When I asked at the bar if we could order drinks there, she snapped that we should order from the waiters. I replied that I would if I could find them. She walked away without acknowledging me and went to tell the wait staff to take orders. The young wait staff tried hard to keep drinks coming and clear dirty dishes, but there weren’t enough of them, or the kitchen was very slow with orders. An older gentleman behind the bar made an unprofessional, uncalled-for comment when someone asked for a bottle of water, saying Mr Ramaphosa wasn’t paying for our function. The buffet was simple, with potatoes, boerewors, chicken, lamb, bread and salads, but everything tasted good. The setting itself is a real strength. Still, Mandy’s conduct and the bar comment left both groups on the premises unwilling to come back or recommend the venue. Maybe Mandy should retire if she no longer has a passion for customer service. Reviews from the other party were posted here before mine too.

Breakfast was a real highlight, and I loved the bathroom. The bedroom was neat and tidy, though a little awkwardly arranged: the two beds had been pushed together, leaving just one chair on one side. I also couldn’t use the bedside lamps because they were on the dresser.

Mandy and her team helped make my daughter's bridal shower an amazing event. Thanks to them!

The manager Maddy was so unprofessional with her staff in front of our group. She didn’t even show regret or apologize for the poor service. Worst experience ever. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone.