Gumption by Coffee Alchemy — Restaurant in Sydney

After having lunch with a friend, we wanted to have some coffee and being in Strand arcade, we decided that Gumption should be OK, none of us had tried before, so we had no expectations but the amount of people there seemed to be an indication that the place was generally considered at least acceptable. I went inside to order and found to my surprise that they had no pastries, nor biscuits nor anything else but coffee. Found it unusual, but though if they do nothing but coffee, day in day out, chances are they are experienced enough to produce something of exceptional quality. I asked for a machiato for my friend and a long black for me and went out to the bench to wait. We were rather surprised when arrived as it was in disposable cups. We explained that nobody asked us if was to drink in or to take away and we were expecting more than just disposable cups. A few minutes later, the replacements arrived and the waitress insinuated that was our fault the coffee was ordered as take away. The fact is if they are serving, they must ask and they did not. So much for service, I still had high hopes for the coffee, since they do not do anything else I was expecting the best. How disappointed was I after the first sip! How disappointed was I after the second! And after the last! The bitter after taste lingered all day and the anger of having paid for rubbish and being served with contempt did nothing to make me feel any better. It is a sad day when that kind of establishment is allowed to remain open and torture the taste buds of...

Today was my second visit, and I was really pissed off by the store manager! I wanted to upgrade my small cup to a large one, but I mentioned it a second late. The store manager sighed loudly and impatiently rewrote my order on the cup. Seeing her attitude, I felt like she thought I was being troublesome, so I decided to stick with my original medium order instead. But honestly, I wasn’t happy.

When I received my coffee, I wanted to share my experience with the barista as a small suggestion for improving their service in the future. But before I could finish, the store manager stormed over with a stern face and said, “I’m the store manager. If you have any issues, talk to me!”

I calmly repeated my feedback, but to my surprise, she didn’t admit any fault. Instead, she self-righteously told me that she hadn’t been rude to me. I couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief—she seriously needs a mirror in the store to see her own expression at that moment.

Right then and there, I threw away all three cups of coffee. I had no interest in drinking something made in such a negative atmosphere. Just because business is good doesn’t mean they should treat customers like this—especially when it wasn’t even busy, with only two or three people waiting. I came in happy, but I left feeling completely mistreated. What did I do to deserve this? There’s no way I can support a business with...

Coffee with a side of attitude!

My review does not reflect the coffee at this establishment. It is more a reflection of its staff members.

Location, location, location. Gumption is located in The Strand Arcade, home to some high end designers with NO PLACE for bitter, disrespectful and disgruntled employees.

Twice this week I experienced the same regrettable and dreadful attitude.

During my second (and last) visit, I arrived 10 min before closing time. I knew what coffee grains I wanted to purchase but was curious to look at a couple of their other grains. When I asked, I was mortified with the response of the young lady who served me (while her colleagues smirked, NO JOKE): "We don't have more (plenty of bags sitting upfront), we don't have time, we are about to close. You need to come earlier." I was mortified! Excuse me!?!?! I need to what?! ... When I mentioned I would contact the store management team and leave a review the young lady at the counter got even more defensive and dug her hole even deeper.

It was beyond appalling. Care for a cup of coffee with a side of attitude? This is your place! If not, take your money elsewhere. Plenty of other great coffee shops around with far...