Mr Paisleys Cafe — Restaurant in Sydney

Food is good, cakes on point & coffee is decent.

But I have to bring up the FOH staff. They were by far the loudest people in the cafe having all sorts of conversations as if they were in their own bubble. I could them better than the people 1m to my left.

Yea sure, they ticked the box for cafe service, (taking plates etc) but they clearly don’t care.

A situation about a customer having black paint on their outfit or something just really highlighted the collective attitude as they were all so defensive and given they were gossiping away obviously I heard it all.

After the woman checked to see if there was paint under a table, she hung on the phone she immediately retorted “bull-**” all of which from the customer side of the counter. Did not care one bit about the customer or any other customer near her.

To which another staff member from behind the counter said, “pffft why don’t you just sit on the cushions I provide”

Seriously? The obnoxiousness. I don’t understand how anyone could this was an ok way to act in any form of service industry. Anyways I’m sure they will laugh at this review, possibly emphasising my point.

But keep the gossip out of customer earshot and once in a while consider your place in...

Without exception THE worst cafe experience I have EVER had. Sign out the front says please wait to be seen by a staff member before sitting down - fair enough. Waited what felt like 10 mins (was more like 4-5 mins) while numerous staff members chatted amiably behind the counter and while the barista sang joyfully in time with what was being played on their sound system at the time. Eventually was asked by him whether I was being looked after and I responded with I am waiting to be seated as per your sign. “Oh just sit anywhere and we’ll get to you” was the response - very hard when the menus were not on the table but instead hidden at the back of the serving counter. I took my menu after being advised where they were located and did as I I was asked and sat down, and then waited to be served.....and waited....and waited....... and waited. After I timed 15 mins waiting with NO staff member even acknowledging my existence I got up to walk away. Still no one bothered to even give me some sign that they would be with me ............So I left. If I could give less than 1x star I would. AVOID THIS PLACE...

We have been going to Mr Paisleys for years. Unfortunately, since the change of management, I’ve noticed a few issues recently, and today’s experience prompted me to write this review.

The corn fritters were very average, to the point where I felt the need to complain—but nothing was done, no apology, offer to remake, etc. Our order was also wrong, twice—and again, nothing was done about it, except for finger-pointing and blaming other staff members—still no apology. Over the last few weeks, we’ve noticed a decline in the quality of the food. This place has always been about the vibe and good food. So, a tip for the new owners of the café: the vibe is influenced by everyone, including the barista. However, the male barista’s attitude a few weeks ago seemed to be affecting the overall atmosphere. Also, it might be worth scrutinising the food coming out of the kitchen.

Coming here has been a family tradition—we still remember Mr Paisley giving our son a T-Rex to play with and his welcoming vibe. But since he and his team left, we’re now considering trying somewhere else—which is...