Church of Secular Coffee — Restaurant in Melbourne

It was our first time coming to this place and we had two negative experiences.

First, when we were ordering, the girl at the counter asked us if she could take the order if the guy waiting in line behind us first???? Maybe it was because the guy was wearing a suit and looked more important, I don't know, but we just let it slide and agreed anyway.

After, we ordered takeaway coffee and decided to sit at one of the tables inside while waiting. Note that the girl did not mention anything to us about where we should wait. We were really enjoying the place when that same employee came to us and told us to wait outside instead. She said it very indifferently and also did not provide any additional explanation.

I understand you have processes to operate more efficiently but I, as a customer, did not have a positive experience because of that. The lady sitting at the table next to us was looking the entire time, also probably confused. We were also customers of the place and we ordered items on your menu just like the people who are sitting inside the cafe did. If we were in a rush and decided to wait outside then great, if we decided to sit inside while waiting, is it really necessary to make us leave the table???

Please train your staff to be more mindful and to read the situation before imposing all these rules that, in turn, make the customers feel very...

Coffee is OK.

As a staff member I have been going to 'Church' (don't tell my family) for many years. The staff have been great and incredibly friendly.

Then 2021 rolled-up. The staff have changed and so has the attitude. The two people who are typically at the front counter are rude, dismissive and obviously don't realise that word spreads quickly around a university campus - for students and staff. I found it ironic recently when I saw the Cafe praise one of them on Instagram.

Other staff have mentioned the same to me and we now head across to Artichoke and Whitebait (good coffee and service).

It's a shame as this once was a great place for meetings; now it just has the attitude of inner-city cafes where the staff believe they are doing a favour for the customer by simply existing.

The reviewer below, 'harry potter', accurately describes the attitude of the new staff.

Food is now overpriced and bland - nothing...

This place has really declined in quality and service over the years. The food has decreased in quantity and you don’t get the same amount of food as you used to for the same price. I had poached eggs on toast here a few months ago and only got one piece of toast (approx $21/$23). I also recently got the sandwich (seated in restaurant), and they no older serve chips with it. Same price. The service has declined also, I was ignored when I sat down, despite everyone else around me being served at the table. I had to order at the counter. I was not brought napkins or water, like everyone else. Perhaps the service was because I was alone? But i received good service even when alone previously. Probably won’t come here again alone or to sit down. Still...