Had my car serviced yesterday and I have to say I have never been made to feel more welcomed at a garage. They are brilliant. Very friendly, very clear with their recommendations, and prices are reasonable. Yes, I have had cheaper services before, but those did not include the level of customer service I received, and for that I am always willing to pay a little bit more.

Approximate cost: $210

We have been to Bay of India on many occasions, and I am happy to say we have never been disappointed. The service is quick and friendly, even when busy. The food is always top notch and fresh. On the couple of occasions where we have had to wait for food, we have had complimentary food presented to us, without request, by the owner. I firmly believe this is the best Indian food in the Newcastle area

Approximate cost: $9

This is a very friendly, family pet store. Everything about Anipet screams good customer service and good care for the small animals sold by them. We have always been very impressed by the staff, and have happily shopped here to support a small business. I would recommend Anipet for anybody small animal owner

We have been to Crinitis twice in the past year, and both times we were blown away by the friendliness of the staff, the amount of time and attention given to us, and most of all the quality of food. The staff were all very patient and not at all overbearing when we were eating, but were quickly available when we wished to order drinks and food. We enjoyed the view of Darling Harbour, and at no time did we feel pressured to leave (granted, both times have been midweek). I highly recommend the restaurant, and will endeavour to make it down to Sydney to dine at least a couple of times each year.

Approximate cost: $35

We took our cat in one night due to her being decidedly off colour all day and not looking especially well. Fearing something like a snake bite, we felt she needed to be seen ASAP. The nurses were lovely and really took care of her when we got there, and despite the wait we were generally kept up to date on when we would be seen. My disappointment comes from the Vet himself. He could give no actual diagnosis, which is fine, it's not always a simple answer, but the proposed treatment plan smacked of praying on vulnerable people. We were not offered one simple test to try to establish which treatment our pet should receive, we were instead given a quote for over $1200 for various tests to see what might be wrong with our cat. The way it was presented to us was in the tone of a salesman, and did not exactly fill us with confidence in the expertise of said vet. Factor in nearly $200 for an appointment and I can't say I was satisfied with the experience. In an emergency I would perhaps return because I don't know of another place offering the after hours service, but I would not recommend this place to anybody if they wish to feel like the vet cares about their pet. Not good enough.

Approximate cost: $198