Antique Cafe — Restaurant in Windermere

Today was the first time my partner and I visited Antique Cafe and we went in with high expectations due to the overall hype of the place, unfortunately, we were left dissapointed with our experience. Upon arrival there was no host at the door, we just walked in and had to wait for someone to notice us and show us where we could sit. The waiters really did try their best to accommodate all the patrons, however, it was evident that there was no order in the way they work. The wait for our food was about 45 minutes. We ordered the Antique Breakfast and the Aloo Benedict. Our waiter tried to reassure us that our meal would be ready soon, however, it seemed like the kitchen was overwhelmed as there were 2 other patrons near us who were also complaining about the long wait for their meals. As we waited for our food I just spent the time observing the restaurant and noted that on 3 occasions there were people who just dipped their bare hands into the Jar of cookies and helped themselves. These people were not waiters because they were not in uniform, however, they seemed to be lingering around the cafe so i assumed that they may have been related to the owners of the cafe. The waiters were atleast using the tongs next to the jar. This is a major hygiene concern because our hands are the biggest carriers of all kinds of germs. The food was average, the potatoes in the Aloo Benedict was honestly saltless and tasteless. The rashers in the Antique Breakfast tasted good, but that was about it. The meals were definitely over priced for the portion size and quality of food served. I personality would prefer not to visit...

Pros: awesome ambiance - love the time travel feel . Coolness of the trees are stunning . Hostess -Meet and greet always a delight The food is appreciably always fantastic - full of flavour and made to specific requests . The kitchen crew MUST take a bow for the delicious food which is prepp’ed by them .

The Cons: Every table should have a citronella / eucalyptus covered candle as it will help with the flies . Instead of us continuously having to ask for one. With lots of leaves flying around it gets into the beverages and food - will be nice to possibly have mini nets / covers to throw over Really nice that the owners interact with people they know HOWEVER they should be cognisant of the other patrons around especially when they decide to have a really long conversation and everyone is standing around with people’s bottoms infringing in your space . I think those longer conversations should be suitably setup for a better spot , things got very loud and we do not want to know how well you are acquainted and other social bits and pieces . It’s a big plus to be present as a hands on owner , however have boundaries and considerations for the other patrons around . Not sure how the waitrons are assigned to areas/tables, as we had to wait for a while until we had to ask again for a waitron. We had to repeatedly ask for things like sugar, then butter, then the candle. Will be lovely if there were standard steps and processes in place for and as each specifics...

Having been what I would say a fairly regular and die hard patron of this quaint establishment for over 2 years : singing its praises and recommending it, through owner / management change, some questionable service and then a truly positive and welcome change, I find it really difficult to award even 1 star today. In a word ''unacceptable". We waited 15 minutes for cappuccinos. Only 2 out of the 4 arrived. Waitress didn't know we wanted 4. Then my stepson and I ordered desserts with our cappuccinos, while my other son ordered a toasted sandwich.We waited nearly 45 minutes before I got up and enquired why our order was taking so long. We were never offered more coffee or an apology / excuse. My chocolate slice arrived without the accompanying ice cream. I had to ask for that. My stepson only realised when we left that his malva pudding never had cream. We had long finished our desserts before my older son's toasted sandwich arrivda. We sat and watched him eat - no-one visited our table again. The customary water on the table also was nowhere in sight. I got up twice to ask if we could have some water...never came. I think this is the last straw for me. I will vote with my feet....turning my back on this one. A pity. The setting and food was great when they got it right. I can no longer overlook...