Turners Bakehouse Eatery — Restaurant in Melbourne

This is what really happened. You judge. After three years of going there virtually every day, I am better able to comment than anyone. Yesterday, the service was exceptionally slow. It was also about 9.30, a very quiet time, and the few customers ahead of me also had a similar wait. After twenty minutes the coffee arrived without apology. "Here." "What was the reason for the delay?" "We're busy," came the surly answer, as the waiter was walking away. (That was a lie, it was not busy.) "Is that what you say to me? Come back here please." "No," and he continued walking away. This was the entire conversation, exactly what was said. I already complained weeks ago about this guy not wearing his face mask properly, as required [at the time] by law. The owner/manager made excuses for him. Since then the staff member was increasingly surly towards me. The coffee has also been especially irregular -- and often outright horrible -- since he started around the beginning of November. After I mentioned this, he serviced the machine, then it was back to the usual fluctuating standard. Occasionally it was okay, but this just random variation and not because they know what they're doing. As I arrived today, I was asked to wait outside. The owner/manager came out, angrily claimed I had "been rude to his staff" and implied that this happens a lot. I was not rude then, nor have I ever been rude to anyone there, despite all I have had to put up with. "For four dollars a day, it's not worth it," the owner said to me. "I don't want to ever see you on the property again." Providing the coffee is okay, I can and do put up with all kinds of dreadful service, including staff completely forgetting orders, and long delays similar to yesterday (although then the staff have always apologised and given a reason). For a long period the coffee was excellent because they employed a good barista who took the work very seriously, but she quit in disgust in March 2020. Until November or so when the new guy started, the service had been fairly good, although the coffee got steadily worse, as is the pattern with this business. When I constructively mention this, as the previous barista asked me to knowing I was the only one who'd tell her the truth, staff behave as if there's something wrong with me, and that I have impossible standards. No, I just know how coffee should taste. However, when the service and coffee are both terrible, there is no reason to go there. The food is expensive and low quality. I tried the so-called artisan bread, and honestly Coles' is better. The cakes are tasteless. The only thing I ate there in recent years were the croissants, but they were stale much of the time. Even when customers directly ask whether they were baked freshly today, staff say yes but then they're still stale anyway. Over the years, I observed a lot of half-eaten meals. This is how it ends. A sleazy minimum wage worker, living down to a Bogan standard of service, develops a grudge about a loyal customer with a valid complaint, then lies about that customer being rude, when actually he was the rude one. Not only did the manager foolishly believe his lying employee, the worst part is that after three years, he refused to even listen to my side. The business recently put up a chalk sign thanking customers for their support during the lockdown. But then they treat their most loyal customers with this kind of contempt and abuse. Turner's Bakehouse does not deserve anyone's...

As a local guide ranked in the top 10% of cafe reviewers on Google, I take pride in providing honest feedback about my experiences. Unfortunately, my recent visit to Turner's Bakehouse Eatery left me with no choice but to give them a one-star rating, which is an exception for me.

While I understand that every establishment can have off days, the service I encountered at Turner's Bakehouse was exceptionally poor. Despite the tasty food and charming cafe atmosphere, the rude and inattentive staff made the overall experience deeply unpleasant.

My partner and I ordered a smoked salmon bruschetta and a vanilla slice. However, it took an unusually long time for the bruschetta to be prepared. To make matters worse, when it was finally brought to our table, the waitress hastily left without noticing that we had not received the vanilla slice.

Despite my attempts to get the waitress's attention, waving my hand and saying "excuse me," she completely disregarded us. I had to resort to using a coffee cup saucer as a makeshift plate to share the bruschetta with my husband. It was frustrating to be ignored in such a manner.

Eventually, another customer had to intervene and inform the waitress about our attempts to get her attention. When she finally came to our table, her response was shockingly rude. She dismissively mentioned that they were busy because it was Saturday morning and suggested that everyone else was experiencing the same situation. Her lack of empathy and rudeness left a sour taste in our mouths.

Even though the staff at the counter apologized when we brought up the issue while paying, it did little to improve our overall experience. The combination of the poor service and the staff's rude behavior left us feeling incredibly disappointed.

⚠️I hope the management takes this feedback seriously and works on improving their service quality and training their staff in customer...

A hidden gem in Doreen!

Turner Bakery House is one of those rare hidden gems you feel lucky to discover. Tucked away in a charming old building that still holds its original bakery charm, this café is full of character. The interior has been beautifully renovated while keeping the historic feel, making it a cozy, welcoming spot that feels like home.

What makes this place truly special is not just the atmosphere, but the food — all the breads, cakes, and sweets are freshly baked in-house. Every dish feels homemade, using top-quality ingredients. We've tried many items from the menu — big breakfast, Turner toasties, shakshuka, pies, omelettes (including the farmer’s omelette) — and every single one was consistently delicious, generous in portion, and beautifully presented.

But what keeps us coming back as loyal customers is the exceptional service. Stephanie, the manager, is truly one of a kind. She goes above and beyond to make everyone feel valued and cared for. She’s warm, thoughtful, and genuinely puts the customers first. I’ve seen her make small, thoughtful gestures like a big babyccino for a child, and she always makes sure meals suit each person’s taste or dietary needs. Her passion isn't about profit — it’s about people. You feel seen, not sold to. Valerine is also a wonderful part of the team — kind, helpful, and always friendly.

If you’re anywhere near Doreen, don’t miss this place. Whether you're after breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just small treat, Turner Bakery House will not disappoint. Highly...