Russell Square Cabmen's Shelter — Local services in London

[ THE MOST UNPLEASANT customer experience I have ever had. ] Everyone should read my story, especially foreigners. This owner was so despicable to take advantage of me because I am a foreigner/ tourist. She took advantage of the language barrier!!!

I ordered one cup of loose-leaf tea, one cup of latte, two breakfast sandwiches on 10 Aug 2023. In the beginning, the owner gave me a cup of tea, and then she gave me two breakfast sandwiches. I thought she forgot my latte, so I said, "And I would like to have one cup of latte, please.” After I got all of my orders (1 tea, 1 latte, 2 breakfast sandwiches), she calculated the total amount as £15.50.

After I paid the bill, as I was walking away, suddenly the customer who lined up after me told me there was another latte and he believed it was mine, I went to the owner and told her I have already drunk the two cups of drinks I ordered so that cup of coffee wasn’t mine, because I didn’t speak very fluent so I wasn't sure whether she understood my meaning or not, then she took the latte back and put that cup of latte in the kitchen, and I walked back to the table. Then I thought the owner might have misunderstood and thought I wanted the second cup of latte, so I went back to apologize to her and said:

“Sorry, I misunderstood your meaning. Because I hadn't received my latte that's why I ordered the latte again.” “Don’t worry. That’s fine.” And I pointed at the latte and said: ”Did you…?(I didn’t know how to speak correctly)” “Oh, do you mean did I charge you? No, I didn’t.” “Oh really!!? Thank you very much!”

As I left the second time, she asked me whether the breakfast was delicious or not.

I felt something wasn’t right when I was eating, so I checked the prices on the menu: one cup of loose-leaf tea was £1.50; one cup of latte was £2.50; breakfast was £4.50 for each, the total amount of what I ordered should be £13, not£15.5. I went back immediately to ask the owner whether the number was wrong or not, the owner told me “ I gave you extra beacon for breakfast. Wait a minute.” And then she went to help other customers and left me waiting. I didn’t want to wait again so I just left for my destination.

I felt mad after I found out that she had lied to me. And I didn’t know how to fight for myself at that moment because of the language barrier. Maybe it might be my fault because I wasn't cautious enough, and I didn’t check before paying the bill, but it’s so despicable that she took advantage of me just because of the language barrier....

Stopped by to grab some lunch on the go and didn't want to give any money to a mainstream vendor/establishment (I'll probably do enough of that during my visit!!) Nice bright green colour scheme that caught my eye and seemed busy which I always find to be a good sign, menu seems to have a decent range of foods whether it's a breakfast roll or a wrap/sandwich, I opted for the sweet pakora wrap and a latte coffee, at 7 pounds I'd say for the middle of London it was reasonably priced. Plenty sights and sounds to keep yourself occupied whilst you wait or sit down to enjoy your meal. Would...

One of only 13 remaining Victorian shelters in London, all Grade II Listed and all painted that particular signature shade of green* This commercially active shelter is particularly memorable; well maintained, splendidly decked-out and set against a busy streetscape. Serving mostly basic ‘old-school’ nosh from a hatch at prices that will astound and delight. Bench seating available to soak up the atmosphere and savour your ‘bite.’ Dulux Buckingham...