Mugg & Bean Cavendish Square — Restaurant in Claremont

Absolutely excellent service from staff members Diane and Yvonne on Sunday 3rd January 2021, when I popped in at this establishment to do some work and enjoy something delectable from the menu. The staffs’ approach in acknowledging clients entering the shop is almost reverent yet, warmly welcoming. Their friendly manner is comfortable without the diners feeling that their personal space is being compromised even in the slightest manner. Thus one can get work done peacefully as if being in one’s own private space. I will firmly say that the staff’s even-tempered attitude and tolerance in sticky situations had saved many a day, I’ve witnessed it countless times. Truth be told, from my own experience, even staff behind the cake and coffee counter would offer a glass of water and clear tables when assistance is required on the floor, as they too keep a vigilant eye on the shop. The teamwork is truly remarkable. I know this as I had been frequenting Mugg & Bean Cavendish for many years. My most recent pleasant experience was on 3rd January 2021. As I walked into the shop, I was greeted by Diane with a menu in hand who introduced me as her waitress. I explained to Diane that I would not be ordering soon as I had a very sensitive and urgent email to complete and she kindly allowed me the time until I was ready. But like the focused waitress that she is, she inquired whether I would like something to drink in the interim and I ordered accordingly, though she continued to quietly check in with me from time to time without disturbing me. When Diane's shift neared its end she communicated to me that her colleague would take over my table. A few minutes later Diane, together with another waitress approached my table and introduced her colleague as Yvonne, who would be taking over my table. I will unreservedly say that it was the most proficient, polite, courteous and elegant manner to introduce one’s colleague. Apart from Diane having presented her introduction to me entirely professionally, she also showed Yvonne equal respect, as colleagues should do and Yvonne acknowledged me in the same professional manner. The staff are ALL visibly service-orientated individuals and visibly dedicated to serve. Management clearly has an aptitude for evaluating the calibre of people and teamwork remains the order of the day, hence the top-notch team at this establishment. My time spent in this shop is always pleasant, relaxing and it certainly makes for a comfortable ambience. On a personal note; during 2003 my Mother passed on during the early hours of the morning whilst hospitalised in the Southern Suburbs. It was a most horrific experience for me as she was my last family member to pass on, thus it proved a deeply heart-breaking morning for me. With all the necessary medical procedures dealt with, which was just after 06h30, I got into my car, drove to Cavendish Mall and waited for the Mall to open to pull myself together inside of Mugg & Bean. Not necessarily for coffee, but for the calm, welcoming, comfortable and homely atmosphere this shop offers. The waiter quietly approached and seated me in the still-empty shop and in the kindest, most compassionate manner asked, “may I pour your first cup of coffee for you Ma’am?”. I could never forget his infinite kindness, his prompt observation of my grief and the empathy in his voice. He displayed further respect to not enquire about my sadness which was the purest act of respect and humanity this particular young man had shown me that morning, whilst unaware of the horrific tragedy which had befallen me just hours before. Mugg & Bean Cavendish has never been just a coffee shop for me, but rather a safe place where complete strangers would easily interact as companions. It was after much time had passed that I learnt the kind waiter is named Byron and not surprisingly, he is still employed at Mugg & Bean Cavendish. That in itself speaks the proverbial volumes. Well done Cavendish management on your fine...

Today, I have yet again been afforded the most professional, superb and friendly service at Mugg & Bean, Cavendish Square, Claremont, Cape Town. It is most astounding that the staff at this branch effortlessly get things right first time, every time and with great splendour. My waiter today was Darlington who was wonderfully present and ready to attend, but it does not mean that I had to look around for a waiter for any kind of assistance while he was busy with other guests, as every single staff member on duty was ready to assist at any given time, whether it was his or her table or not. Even the staff behind the tea and coffee counter would voluntarily assist where they see assistance is required. My meal arrived in under 10 minutes, moreover, it arrived warm and exactly how I had specified it. Thus I can yet again emphatically state that the ratio between the presentation of the meal and the taste thereof was undeniably one-to-one. I find it truly special to dine here while getting some work done, to meet friends, to confer with colleagues and savouring the everchanging delicacies on the menu. There’s always a new surprise waiting in the wings of the Mugg & Bean stage at Cavendish Square Claremont, Cape Town. In my experience over many years, no guest has ever walked into the restaurant without having been acknowledged in the appropriate manner by the staff and Management, irrespective of how busy the restaurant is. Though I cannot overlook to mention the age old saying “the conduct of the staff at any organisation is a direct reflection of the calibre of its Management. In this instance I will say, never was a truer word ever spoken. Well done M&B Management!...

Mug 'n Bean has always been somewhat of a pleasant experience. While their food is a bit pricey, it's great for those who work on laptops to plug themselves into one of their outlets. You also have a choice of sitting in their upstairs section with window walls that provide over enough light. On one occasion, however, I got stuck being in their downstairs area, which a is little more cozy than I would've liked but I really needed to plug-in my laptop as there were no available outlets upstairs. Upon arrival, despite being promised a waiter at the door, I was forgotten for 10-15mins before I needed to ask for service. They did seem busy so I thought nothing of it and went on working until I heard a loud screech from the inside the kitchen. I'm still not sure if it was the manager or head chef, but the voice of the woman sounded frustrated. Constantly yelling for more efficiency and trying to get her kitchen staff to push meals out quicker. Never have I heard the words "Chicken Mayo" exclaimed with such ferocity. My fault for sitting so close to the kitchen, but "training" your staff during your early morning run may not be the best course of action. Thankfully, my waiters were nice. Frazzled perhaps, but they...