L’Auberge Espagnole — Restaurant in Alès

Disastrous service with high potential. We were only there for a quick drink, so this review is not about the food, or anything indoors. Don't get me wrong, I never like talking badly about a place. But this needs to be adressed.

First let me start with what was good about this place: very friendly staff, everytime with a smile Cosy surroundings, sunshade provided by parasols. Bar with high potential!

What went wrong: staff (owner?) took + 35mins to take our order (2 drinks) in +30°C, which our toddler wasn't really keen on. although we got seated first, 3 later tables got their order before us. Felt like we weren't as interesting. 1 of the drinks wasn't even cold ('boissons "Fraiches" - means' cold drinks'), came straight of the shelf fetched by staff from the cellar, not even a little icecube (how come, at 10u30 in the morning, the fridge is already out of sodas?). when adressing the staff to ask for the check, no response came, even after getting staff's attention.

I don't know what happened here. Is this a one-time slip-up? Other guests felt the same way. We saw little kids waiting in the lounge for +25 mins. in the blaring sun before their order finally got taken.

However, this does not mean it will always be bad. To the owner/staff, I would like to give some (unsalted?) advice: stock the fridges properly, in the mourning. if you run out, don't fetch 4 little bottles or a brick of milk. Carry the whole 12 or 24-pack at once. Save time. Move the tempo up! big orders on 1 plateau, it's not that hard. scan the place for waiting customers, especially with kids.

I really hope this helps.

EDIT: previous comments about other reviews were indeed unneccessary. The rest of our experience...

We where hungry and we’re looking for a place to eat some lunch. We were lucky to stumble upon this little place called L’aubergerge espagnole. We asked if the kitchen was still open and it was! We had how mama cold it ‘real food’ and no burgers with pizza. Chicken is greats toilet is a bit to smal to do what...

Came here twice on our holidays. Lovely shaded seating area. Super friendly and attentive owner. I highly recommend the “sangria blanche” on a hot day. We tried the cheese platter and also a tarte and a tortilla. All the food was delicious. Great relaxed atmosphere. Thank you for a lovely dining...