Phoenix Cafe and Takeaway — Restaurant in Scone

I was so looking forward to visiting Phoenix cafe based upon its good reviews and the gluten-free option they told my wife they had in a text conversation a few days prior.

Unfortunately, it didn't live up to expectations. Whilst they had a separate GF fryer, they didn't have any GF bread or rolls which made most of their menu of burgers unavailable. They had advised previously that the fish could be done GF, but when trying to order the fish as there was no GF bread, were then told that the fish couldn't be done GF. Double fail.

Service was slower than expected and the food when it arrived was OK, but not great. The buns on both of our chicken schnitzel burgers were quite burnt and our hot chips were a mixed bag - some were fresh and crispy, and others tasted like they were cooked some time prior.

Perhaps it was an off night, but based upon the food and service received I'll be visiting other restaurants next time I'm in Scone.

Edit in response to owners comment: Read the rest of my reviews on Google - I very rarely give less than positive comments when I do I try to be as constructive as possible.

We had communicated that we were coming on Friday night - perhaps if you knew that you would be extra busy or items might not be available from the menu then we might have forewarned? Or perhaps made sure some GF bread was available despite this?

I also did not imply that some chips were not cooked as GF, I just said that some were excellent whereas others were not - hence mixed bag.

I was not attacking your business, merely stating that on the night service did not meet the expectations based upon other reviews and correspondence. I am surprised that your staff member did not feel safe and am sorry if this was so. Were we disappointed - yes. But that was communicated politely at all times and your cameras, if they record audio too, would clearly show this.

Ultimately, your choice whether to take my comments...

Passing through Scone. Chose this cafe based on reviews. You have to walk past the kitchen and freezer room to reach the amenities. Kitchen grubby. Freezer chaotic. Toilet needed attention (bin full, no paper towel, basin gross). Food looked good when it came out but having seen the kitchen, we were concerned about eating. Tasted fine. Two young staff looked completely uninterested in being there. Whole place is tired and shabby. Gordon Ramsay material. Only redeeming features were the excellent coffee and good pricing ($20 for burger, chips w gravy,...

We stopped on the way through when every other cafe was closing. Phoenix had great service, even made my friend a chai latè even though she didn't know how initially and had to call someone to learn. The coffees were great, chips way more than we thought we'd get and the burger was cut in half for us without asking because she knew we were just going to halve it anyway. Hope your leg...