The BEST coffee in Brisbane, hidden away beside James St Markets. The food is always fresh, seasonal and delicious. And the staff really know their stuff! Great service and product all around.

Ruffles Lodge is a labour of love for John and Jan the owners. We discovered this gem 5 years ago and it was the most peaceful, tranquil and beautiful escape we'd ever experienced. In fact, we have stayed there on numerous occasions and even had our wedding there. Would highly recommend the treehouse pool villas. The food has been fabulous or acceptable, depending on the chef. Their new day spa is beautiful and I'm sure it will be a huge success when they have the right staff in. It's busier now than when we first discovered it, but I still feel you will be seriously impressed with this lodge.

Approximate cost: $was around $400 a night for the treehouse pool villas when we stayed there 2yrs ago

Canterbury Kids is a lovely children's clothing and gift store and have staff that are very friendly and knowledgeable. The clothes are expensive, but they are higher end brands.

This store carries a really good line of gift ideas for girls and boys at all price ranges. I've been satisfied as a customer, but not wowed. Service is hit and miss, often I have to initiate dialogue to get assistance. Oh, and be aware that they don't refund - only offer a credit note.

Excellent coffee and food, average service. If you are in the mood, you definitely have to try their BLT - it's heaven. The only downside is that as they are very popular, seats are hard to find sometimes and the waiters/waitresses may miss seeing you sit down. Oh and you come away with a 'cafe' smell on your clothes. Totally worth it though.

I found Karen to be professional, honest and accommodating. We were working 7 days a week in a start-up and she was patient with us, didn't push us into anything and also provided us with some really appropriate hints and tips. I'd highly recommend her to anyone, she loves what she does and genuinely cares about her clients.

Approximate cost: $around $500 from memory

These ladies made me look amazing on my big day. The airbrushed makeup and updo they gave me was exactly what I asked for. They were very professional, listened to my needs and were easily available to travel to our venue. I still get fabulous comments on how great I looked!

Approximate cost: $approx 600 for hair and makeup for bride and bridesmaid, and makeup for mother of the bride and moth

Gina provided us with a seriously amazing wedding cake. She was gracious enough to work within a short timeline of 3 weeks, catered to our needs exactly and the cake was incredibly reasonable in my opinion (and in comparison with other quotes received).
Note: Her lemon cream cheese butter cake with lemon buttercream icing and white chocolate pieces on the outside is divine!

Approximate cost: $250 for a cake that provided 65 portions

Really good facials using excellent products (Pevonia and Medicalia) but I'm not sure about the location to be honest. I was 8.5 months pregnant when I went and it was
'interesting' getting up the small staircase. I could also hear road noise above the music they played so I didn't fully relax. If they were in a slightly quieter location I would have rated them as a 5 star for everything.

Approximate cost: $200

Where to start... Incredibly lacking in their post sale service. A $200 vase spontaneously split in half (perfectly, didn't shatter) on our dining table 2 weeks after receiving it as a wedding present. I obtained the receipt and returned the vase. The sales assistant wasn't happy about taking it back but did eventually. Then nothing... After repeated attempts at contacting either the manager or owner, the assistant on the telephone told me they were very busy and to stop harassing them, then hung up. At that point I got the Department of Fair Trading involved. Disappointingly they can't actually make the business accept responsibility, however did strongly encourage the owner to do the right thing. The best I got was the offer of a $100 voucher to be used in the store which I declined.
All I can say is that this business is counting on tourist trade, where they don't have to worry about post sale service.

Please, if you have had a similar experience, report it to Fair Trading as if the same complaint comes about on numerous occasions they can do something more about it.