Caldermeade Farm & Cafe — Restaurant in Melbourne

My recent visit (26/03/24) to Caldermeade Farm & Cafe left much to be desired, despite high expectations. While the ambiance was commendable, the experience was overshadowed by a regrettable encounter with particular staff members.

Upon arrival, the inviting atmosphere and enticing walk around with some tractors and animals, catering to everything a little boy loves, immediately captured my attention, validating the anticipation I had for this visit. However, the charm quickly dissipated when an incident involving my son unfolded.

As my young son innocently explored the surroundings, pushing his truck around, he inadvertently approached a restricted area. I was supervising him when a staff member approached and said, “Can you get your child off that room, please!!! Her tone was distressingly passive-aggressive. Despite my reassurances that he wasn't touching anything or would not break anything, she raised her voice, expressing concern that a function was planned for the area and it could become messy. When I expressed my dissatisfaction with her tone, she denied any rudeness and simply turned away, persisting in her abrasive demeanor, failing to offer any semblance of understanding or empathy.

What truly disheartened me was the lack of professionalism and accountability demonstrated by the staff member. Instead of diffusing the situation with tact and grace, she opted for a confrontational approach, leaving me feeling embarrassed and unsettled. The encounter was so distressing that I couldn't even finish my food due to nerves.

Upon expressing our concerns to another staff member, we were met with sincere apologies and an explanation that the employee in question had recently experienced a personal loss. While I empathize with her situation, I believe it is imperative for businesses to ensure that their staff members are emotionally equipped to provide quality customer service. It is unacceptable for personal frustrations to be projected onto patrons, especially in a hospitality setting.

Furthermore, my disappointment was compounded when similar rudeness was directed towards other members of my group, totaling twenty people. The consistent lack of professionalism exhibited by the staff member in question further diminished the overall experience.

In conclusion, while Caldermeade Farm & Cafe may boast quality products and a charming ambiance, the importance of exemplary customer service cannot be overstated. It is my hope that this review serves as constructive feedback for the management, highlighting the significance of fostering a welcoming and accommodating environment for all patrons, regardless of age or...

We have driven past this place many times and I was keen to visit, so we decided to stop in for lunch today. Arrived at 1.30pm. First impression was not good - lots of empty tables but none were clean - all covered in used plates, cups etc. there was food and rubbish on the floor too. Music was loud, didn't have a good ambiance. We flagged down a server and asked them to clear a table for us, which she did, however she didn't wipe it down (of crumbs, stickiness etc) so we had to flag her down a second time to ask her to do this. Went to counter to order, only to be told the kitchen had closed early because they had 'run out of food'. However there was a glass cabinet full of focaccia etc. I asked if we could order from there and was told no, but we could get Devonshire tea, coffee, milkshakes or icecream. Went back to my table to speak with my husband and we decided to order Devonshire tea. Went back to the counter to be told that they had checked with the manager, we could order focaccia from the cabinet, but they would be served cold/untoasted. This did not appeal to us, so we stuck with decision to have Devonshire team. I could see food coming out of the kitchen, so I asked about this and was told the kitchen was an hour behind, as there were only two people working in the kitchen, so they were not taking new food orders. Ordered Devonshire tea for two people (was unwittingly 'upsold' as the server asked me if I would like my tea in a teapot and I said yes, not realising this would cost extra) and went back to the table to wait for our food. Scones came out quickly, but our tea and coffee took 20 mins longer (by which time we had finished our scones - hardly a proper Devonshire tea when they are not served together). My husband had ordered a flat white, but received a cappuccino. I asked for tea with no milk, yet was served milk. By this stage we had waited so long that we did not ask them to remake the correct drink. There were lots of flies in the (indoor) dining room which also made our dining experience unpleasant. Really disappointed, as the experience was nowhere close to the ,'cosy country house' description on Google Maps. Staff (server) attitudes came across as inexperienced, unfriendly, and stressed (ie understaffed). For the Devonshire Tea, we paid $38 and received two scones each with jam and cream, and a hot drink. The scones were moist and delicious. The coffee average. The tea was made with teabags, not looseleaf. Didn't feel like good...

On Monday 21st October 2024 at around 13:45, I visited Caldermeade Farm and Café with my family and a friend from overseas, and unfortunately, had a very disappointing experience. While the cashier was pleasant, the person who brought our food, named Anne, was shockingly rude.

When she arrived at our table, my two children and I thanked her. I also politely asked her to place the food in the middle of the table. However, instead of acknowledging our requests, she sighed loudly and snapped, “Everyone’s saying thank you, but no one’s telling me who ordered what.” Her tone was completely uncalled for, and both my children and I were taken aback by her attitude. Even after two small children had thanked her, she slammed the plates onto the table in frustration.

Later, I walked up to the cashier to ask for some ketchup for my children. The cashier kindly asked me to request it from the kitchen window. When I did, Anne came towards me and abruptly asked what I wanted. When I politely requested ketchup, she rudely questioned why I needed it. Despite my response, she kept pressing me, asking repeatedly why I needed ketchup, as though I had to justify a simple request. I then asked her why I had to explain my need for ketchup when I had ordered food, to which she eventually replied that I’d have to pay for it. I was shocked that we were being charged $1 for ketchup after spending nearly $80.

When my husband inquired about this policy, the cashier kindly explained it was a management decision. However, Anne once again interrupted, saying that even McDonald’s charges for ketchup. This comparison was both unprofessional and irrelevant, considering that people visit cafés like this one expecting quality service and a more personal experience, not fast food. Her tone was dismissive, and it was hard to understand what point she was trying to make—it simply didn’t make sense.

After checking the café reviews, I noticed a pattern of complaints regarding the service, which makes me question whether management even cares about the experience they provide. It seems they’re more concerned about money than customer satisfaction. The fact that they charge $1 for ketchup, and Anne’s comparison of the café to McDonald’s, speaks volumes about their priorities.

This café is in such a beautiful location, but the service we received completely ruined what should have been an enjoyable visit. It’s sad to leave a place so...