Circles Leisure Centre Guide and Review
Circles Leisure Centre in Waterford city is presented primarily as a casino, but user reviews highlight its significant offerings in leisure activities such as snooker and pool. This dual nature means the centre caters to a varied clientele, from those looking for a game of cuesport to patrons interested in casino entertainment. However, feedback from recent visitors reveals a mixed bag of experiences, with strong points balanced by several areas needing attention.
👍 The Good: Welcoming Staff and Coffee ☕
On the positive side, several long-standing customers praise the staff for their consistent hospitality. One reviewer, who has been visiting since their teenage years, describes the staff as "always welcoming and extremely helpful". The centre also earns a nod for serving a "great cup of coffee", making it a comfortable spot for a casual visit. Some patrons also find the snooker tables themselves to be of good quality, despite other issues.
👎 Areas for Improvement: Mixed Experiences and Key Concerns 📉
Despite the positive notes, a significant portion of the feedback points to crucial issues that impact the overall customer experience. These include:
Membership Confusion & Entry Issues 🚫
A recurring concern is the inconsistent application of entry rules, particularly regarding membership. One frustrated parent reported being refused entry for a game of pool with their son because they weren't members, despite their partner having successfully visited without membership just months prior. This contradictory policy and perceived rude handling by staff led to a "disgraceful treatment of willing customers" and a vow to seek clarification from management.
Equipment Quality & Maintenance 🛠️
The condition of the leisure equipment, especially snooker tables, receives considerable criticism. Reviewers describe equipment as being "a shambles,""on the brink of breaking," and "worn" with "broken pockets." In the casino section, some machines are also reported to not work properly.
Environmental Comfort & Hygiene 🌬️🧼
Poor air conditioning is frequently mentioned as an issue in both the snooker and casino areas, impacting comfort, especially during longer visits. Additionally, concerns about "hygiene... not great" have been raised.
Pricing & Value 💰
Some visitors find Circles Leisure Centre to be "more expensive than other places," suggesting that value for money might only be realized through a membership, which is not clearly or consistently applied.
Customer Service & Management Attitude 🗣️
While some staff members are lauded for their helpfulness, one particularly strong negative comment highlights an alleged owner, "Beni," as "extremely rude to loyal customers" and indifferent to their concerns. This type of interaction is described as "very off putting" and a potential threat to the centre's longevity if the attitude persists.
Suitability for Children 👨👩👧👦
Concerns were raised about the appropriateness of the environment for children, with one reviewer explicitly stating they "wouldn't recommend taking your kids here," possibly due to the combined issues of hygiene, atmosphere, and general management attitude.
Overall Recommendation
Circles Leisure Centre appears to be a venue with potential, offering both gaming and leisure activities. However, the overwhelmingly negative feedback on inconsistent policies, equipment maintenance, environmental comfort, and particularly aspects of customer service and management attitude, significantly detract from its appeal. While some visitors have had consistently positive interactions, new or infrequent patrons might encounter issues that lead to a disappointing experience. For those considering a visit, it may be advisable to clarify membership requirements beforehand and manage expectations regarding the general upkeep and service.
Have been coming to Circles for years, since I was a teenager with my friends. Staff have always been welcoming and extremely helpful, also serve a great cup of coffee!Would recommend!
Myself and my son went for a game of pool and were refused because we weren't members, she stated this was always the rule. When I put it to her that my partner had my son there only a couple of months ago without being a member she quite rudely said there's nothing she can do. I since found out from multiple people that you don't have to be a member which I already knew. I will be requesting to speak to a manager this week as I want a reason as to why me and my son were not allowed in. Disgraceful treatment of willing customers.
This place has poor air conditioning the snooker equipment is a shambles with some on the brink of breaking and it can be expensive even on membership. As for the casino again poor air conditioning and some machines don’t work properly too or held by people. Hygiene is also not great in there too. Most staff are nice however there is one owner named Beni who is extremely rude to loyal customers and doesn’t care about people there have been times when he has been rude to people on different occasions and is very off putting for going in sadly with customer service like that this place won’t be open for long if his attitude continues. I wouldn’t recommend taking your kids here
Really nice place with great snooker tables. I was playing snooker and had a custard-filled eclair in my pocket which I completely forgot about. It burst whilst I was attempting a tough shot, destroying my trousers and leaking through onto my leg. It really ruined my experience.
More expensive than other places I've been to. Maybe better value for members Snooker table had broken pocket, everything a little worn. Sadly would not be able to recommend.