not quite the experience i had prepared myself for, but maybe it's my fault? i don't eat fish, but had rather hoped the vegetarian side of the mains would be a little more extensive. there were really only two items on the menu for me, spanakopita and aubergine, so i ordered the one with the least amount of mushrooms: spanakopita. i must say, it was quite tasty and i am not a big fan of spinach. definitely not a meal for someone counting calories, but the filling was delicious and the puff pastry was cooked perfectly. we tried the cauliflower and cheese balls as a starter, which were also delicious. my husband ordered the blue cod, which he enjoyed very much.
i was a little disappointed as the reviews mentioned "ducks everywhere" and i only counted two. the decorations were more reminiscent of the olden days in christchurch with old tyme photographs and foggy mirrors on the walls. the atmosphere was more casual and group friendly and less romantic. not necessarily a bad thing, but again, not what i was expecting. we were initially placed at a table practically touching the hostess stand and in direct line of the door. we quickly asked to be re-seated as many people coming through the door meant many drafts and noisy people listening in our quiet conversation. not much of a date night feel. we were re-seated in the corner next to a group of 10 (guess we weren't going to get that private date night atmosphere afterall) but we were much warmer and enjoyed the ambiance just as well. we were served by 3 different people throughout the meal. there was no consistency nor communication between the three. it didn't matter much as our food was served quickly, but it was hard to know who to flag down for a refill. overall, while i wouldn't recommend dux dine for a date night experience, i can see why this restaurant has survived over the years from the old student union to this casual, group dining experience. next time we'll remember to bring 8 friends.