The Spade Melbourne — Restaurant in Melbourne

Honestly I hate to be a Karen here and I really did want to love this place having moved just around the corner it missed the mark on many points. I walked in because I felt we like a freshly squeezed juice and part of this was my fault as the menu didn’t clarify that the juices were bottled and as a fancy cafe, I assumed it was freshly squeezed. What came out for $9 was a small cup which was half filled with ice and half filled with what tasted like long life juice. Obviously I finished it because I’m not throwing away food in this climate. The muffin was good, I can’t complain there but for $7.80 I’d prefer to get a 4 pack from Cole’s which are cheaper and the same quality.

Unfortunately the service needs improving. I stood at the front of a takeaway line for about 5-7 minuets with no acknowledgement or “I’ll be with you shortly”....

My venue of choice for a coffee fix. When possible I like to dine in due to the relaxed vibe, friendly staff & the belief I'm supporting in a small way an entrepreneurial venture that has no doubt faced head wins since opening in Glenroy.

So I was annoyed today to find Spade closed well before their widely advertised time of 4pm. First world problem I know, but I'd driven 3 postcodes, past Starbucks & other options, in order to continue to support these guys in my small, negligible even, way. I guess it is their prerogative to close 45 minutes early, perhaps a "subject to change without notice" could be added to the closure time if early closure is the norm. Or perhaps an apology on the shop front if the closure was unforseen.

Anyway, hoping this was an exception, look forward to further positive experiences...

• April 22: My friend and I ordered a pot of green tea (served properly in its pot) and a coffee. Total: $7.13. The barista was friendly, our drinks arrived promptly, and we enjoyed a relaxed break. • April 23 : We returned just before closing at 2:43pm. An Asian looking girl brusquely warned us they’d shut at 3 pm, the other staff member looked visibly annoyed. Our bill was $11.71, $4.58 more than yesterday. Although I ordered my green tea in a pot again, it arrived dumped into a plain takeaway cup. When I asked why, I was told curtly, “We’re closing soon.” Feeling rushed and short changed, we left our untouched drinks on the counter and walked out.

Staff at cafes and restaurants should always be friendly and respectful, even right up until closing time. Now I know exactly where to go… and...