Villa Substandard

As regular patrons who travel 45 minutes every couple of months to this restaurant we were extremely disappointed by the level of service received from this establishment on Friday 29 July 2022. Firstly, we tried to make a reservation and was told no reservations will be taken (this would be the third time we had heard this excuse). I was basically told, "we're too full, you cannot come". I told the hostess we would still come through and wait at the bar as we have done on previous occasions until a table becomes available. Which we did. We were 8 adults and 1 child in our party. After 45 minutes we were asked how many people would be having the sushi buffet special, we confirmed only 4 patrons as the rest would order a la carte from the menu and do not eat sushi. We know from past dinners here that there is a "cap" on people ordering sushi. We then waited another 30 minutes or so before we were informed by the "operations manager" that they could not serve us any sushi as our table is more than 8 patrons. Some absurd new rule apparently made by management. So their suggestion? Split our family table in two, in two separate sections of the restaurant and then only would they serve us. How ridiculous? Just so 4 people can have sushi? We came out as a family to have dinner together and your best solutions is to split us? Pathetic! We left after 90 minutes. What a waste of our time and petrol.