Cafezique

Overall an average dining experience. The biggest disappointment was the brisket, tough as old boots and considering my gran can cook up a brisket then a thoroughly disapointing effort on their part! The customer service was extremely variable- some tables (like mine) received minimal service and were left waiting for extremely long periods while others seemed to have 2 personal waiters to tend to filling their glasses. Overall a disapointing experiance.

We've eaten here several times so I thought it was finally time to give an overall impression. Obviously from time to time things go wrong, for example a long wait for food. This can happen at any restaurant. However having been to Cafezique enough times, I'd like to comment on what is more often than not our experience.

First, the greeting. Even when busy, the staff are always quick to meet you as you come in with a friendly greeting. We've almost never had to stand around feeling like spare parts.

They'll establish whether you're in for a drink or a meal, and if you have a reservation, etc.

Next, the beer. They have an awesome organic Samuel Smith lager. Very very tasty.

Now for the food. The food might seem a tad price at around £4 or £5 for a starter and £11 for a main. But the quality is really fantastic. The ingredients are obviously well chosen and always fresh and crisp. After every meal at Cafezique I always finish thinking that actually it was a bargain. Their deserts are particularly awesome. Don't miss the treacle tart with butterscotch sauce.

Finally, the service. We've always found them to have friendly and great service. What's more, they're natural. They're not like mindless smiling clones. They're real people and the impression is that they really do care about what they do, and moreover, they enjoy working there.

As for long waits, this has happened once out of eight or nine times. But it's also happened at just about every restaurant we've ever been regulars at. Normally the food comes reasonably promptly and sometimes they are very quick.

One other thing to mention is that you can eat here quite late. We've been in after 1030pm or so and they were happy to serve us dinner.

What could be improved? Upstairs isn't as good as downstairs to sit, and it can get quite hot. Similarly in winter, if it's cold outside and you're seated near the door, expect some blasts of cold air.

All in all though we love Cafezique. We're regulars and we'll be back again soon.

Very disappointing indeed.

The service was unreasonably slow - we were one of about three very small groups in the restaurant therefore we would expect to have been served quicker.

We waited a long time for our mains to be served. At least 45 minutes.

My starter came with blue cheese, which had not been mentioned on the menu - many people like blue cheese however I do not, and had I known it was part of this dish I wouldn't have ordered it.

My main was beef and it was well done - I could barely slice through it, I was not even asked how I would like the meat to be cooked. The mashed potatoes which came with the main were so over seasoned I had to drink a lot of water to wash it down.

My coffee had granules through it, however tasted ok.

The wine was great however.

Overall very shocked at this, as I have raved to friends about the place, I was embarrassed as I recommended it for our evening. I was not the bill payer, however if I had been I would have complained.

I loathe so much to have to say it, because I had so much respect for this place, but very disappointing cafezique.

The cafe looks very smart and the atmosphere is pleasant. On this occasion I sat upstairs and had to wait at least 20 mins before anyone took my food order. My coffee wasn't particularly hot and my eggs florentine were lacking. The hollandaise was an almost undetectable dribble of butter and vinegar, quite steep at £7.50. My friend was pleased with her veggie breakfast and my partner's mussels looked tasty. The servers seemed to be avoiding us, maybe stalling for an understaffed kitchen?

Fabulous food, attentive but not pushy staff. Good value for money considering the quality of the food. Absolutely nothing but the highest praise!

Tried to experience lunch here Saturday three weeks ago. (Have been on holiday since). The place was busy but not full and our order was taken within 5 minutes. Lots of spiky haired staff running around looking a bit like clones from the same role model bar one who was differentiated by having his underpants extensively revealed by his jeans only coming half way up his backside. Not a good look for the folk at the next table to the one he's serving.

There were two of us and both ordered Cullen Skink. After 30 minutes, I questioned one of staff about our order, he came back, apologised, reported that it would be around 5 minutes and offered us complimentary drinks. We accepted and ordered coffee. After another ten minutes with neither coffee nor food we left.

Someone is missing a trick here. The customers bring in the revenue - and staff either enhance that process, or erode it. They need to be told, it's not all about them. It is about the customer experience including both food and the service. The owner may have a sure touch with food - I'll never know, but it appears that staff do not share a similar passion for good service, (or even a little respect for the customer). Who's running the show?

The food and atmosphere in this restaurant is lovely and it could have made for a really enjoyable evening if it was not for the service. The staff are so laid back that anything you ask of them is too much. The first time I went I booked a large party of 16 which they said was no problem but when I got there 5 mins before everyone was due to arrive the table was still occupied. When they finally were ready they had only given us a table big enough for 12 and it took about 20 mins and a lot of ignoring and huffing from the staff to even get that. The food was very slow in coming but it was a big party and delicious so I forgave them and booked again.
The next time the staff kept ignoring us when it was time to take our order. It took the waiter 20 mins to take our order and another 30 mins to deliver the food - this was at 5pm and they were not busy and well staffed. This could have something to do with the fact the staff spend all of their time chatting with friends at the bar and ignoring the customers.
Anyway after reading a review on another site which had similar complaints the owner had apologised and promised to sort out these problems, so I thought give it another chance (the food is delicious and I do think it is important to support your local businessman) - however the service issue hadn't been resolved and the owner was in the restaurant watching it go on. It took 20 mins for someone to take our order, I ordered drinks and they didn't come, in fact I made the same drinks order 3 times and it never came - in the end I just gave up and left. I am afraid I wont be back, which is a shame because the restaurant had so much potential if only they could improve the service.