Blacksmith Bakery — Restaurant in Township of Langley

Ummm so I just got kicked out of this bakery for using my laptop at a table that had no signage of a no laptop policy. This must be a new thing. I had spent $25 on a salad and drink + 18% tip before I sat down. Mid way through eating I was told I can't use my laptop unless I'm sitting at the laptop bar (1 hour time limit) which had 5 fully occupied high stools all quite close together, so you certainly didn't have room for your food and device there. I said I wasn't aware of this policy, but I had noticed some tables had signage while others didn't. I was sitting at a small two seat table and it wasn't busy. I explained that I didn't know, but will keep this in mind for next time. I was told I have to put my laptop away. I asked if they don't mind if I finish my work since I'm still eating anyway. Nope, not allowed - even though the laptop bar was fully occupied. I was shocked and said thats too bad, I won't be back here if you can't let it go this time. Still no. So I put my device away and took my sweet time finishing my food. I noticed it's looking less like a cafe/bakery and more like a place for appys and alcoholic drinks. They have a pretty large selection of alcohol for a bakery and also have live bands now. That's great and all, but certainly doesn't make sense to call it a bakery anymore. It's also extremely loud in there. The atmosphere is loud, you can barely hear each other across your own tiny table. It's a beautiful space, but makes zero sense to be called a bakery anymore. You still have to constantly get back in line to order. The direction they're going they should have servers and menus at the table then at least. May be they are competing with Sidebar across the street? I can understand an actual restaurant having this policy. Anyway, I know for next time if I return I guess - but would have appreciated some common sense here. But these days that's tough to find. I really loved this place when it opened, but I guess business is booming enough to not give a hoot! I wish I hadn't tipped. But of course you pay before you even sit down and experience the food...

Blacksmith bakery is known for its cozy ambience and good food and now their entire chain will be known for their worse customer service. BLACKSMITH BAKERY IS AN AMAZING PLACE UNTIL ITS A LITTLE INCONVENIENT FOR THE STAFF. THAT IS WHEN YOU SHOW GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. I visited today for my anniversary with my wife and our newborn. I have visited this place when it has been super busy a couple of times and slow a couple of times like today So you did lose a regular loyal customer-

There is no menu on any table or QR code to scan the menu. I had to settle my wife and my baby outside and go looking for the QR outside the store.( The front desk staff should have been observant of their customers coming in if they did so they could have come to our table and shared the QR code nothing extraordinary for customer service)

My wife went and ordered food and while she paid the guy was on his personal phone I messaging. (Why do you have your phone out while working) After a few minutes we noticed our baby being uncomfortable and started crying. At this instance I looked at the kitchen window and the plate was not on the counter to say it was ready. I went to the counter and politely requested him if I can get my food to go and he said okay and went inside the kitchen. While I waited the guy came out later and said we can't pack it as the plate has been said I can give you boxes and you can pack it yourself. (The guy should have packed it regardless of their conversation with the chef)

I was wanting to comfort my baby so I said sure I'll do it myself and rush. When we were given the boxes with the set plate in a couple of minutes I asked him a question of why did they not park it for us. To which he said I am not sure but the chef said no as they had already plated it. And I was like so what? To which he said the chef said if they did packet it would create a mess in the kitchen because of the food)

The chef could have easily packed it or asked the other guy to pack it. This was not packing left over. It was showing the customer...

My husband and I have been loyal customers of this bakery since they opened, and he has frequently brought clients, employees, partners and held business lunches/drinks here. I hoped to find a space where I could occasionally meet him and work on my laptop while enjoying our time together.

When I inquired previously, I was told that I could use my laptop during slower hours, which seemed like a fair compromise, and which I respected.

However, during my most recent visit, I wasn’t even actively working—just sitting with my husband and briefly loading something on my laptop—when I was asked to put it away when it was very slow. While the staff was professional, the overall experience felt unwelcoming given the context.

I completely respect their desire to cultivate a certain ambiance and move toward a more restaurant-style experience, however, the local restaurants allow laptops. No other establishment Ive visited has this rule.

I believe in supporting businesses that also support their loyal customers. We’ll be shifting our spending to establishments that offer a more flexible environment for business professionals—places where we can enjoy great food or drinks while also having the option to work as needed, without unnecessary restrictions. Given that many of your clientele are business professionals in the area, these policies may not be suitable to...