Cognito at the Cross — Restaurant in Aberdeen City

Atmosphere ZERO stars. This review is for Nicky's attention who very likely gets a much warmer reception when she arrives into the cafe than we do. I am only writing this as I no longer have a local cafe which is somewhat inconvenient. I was there with my wife and kid. The usual sit here, don't sit there nonsense we have to put up with everytime we visit. We usually go once a week for a year or more now. We were met by the usual lady who never smiles, always stressed. Told to sit over at the side area. There were two other people in the cafe, otherwise it was empty. All four tables at the main window were free. I asked to sit by the main window and was not one bit surprised by her response "there are only 3 of you" suggesting the window tables are for more than 3 people. She looked away and continued running our sandwiches through the till indicating the conversation on moving tables was now over. I asked if that was a 'no' (we can't move seats), and she confirmed that was the case. She then once again continued on the till. To me, her decision on the seats was for the sake of confrontation only, nothing to do with me or needing tables. We popped in for a family coffee and were met with the usual stress environment. It was her way or the highway... and we chose the highway. We left the cafe for good this time. This has been an issue before and I am not going to deal with this stress while paying top dollar. This is meant to be a relaxed environment, and it just isn't. ...

Disappointing Customer Service Experience As a manager with 18 years of experience working under Richard Branson, I expect a friendly welcome and high-quality service, especially when a place has been highly recommended. After 18 holes of golf, I visited Cognito, looking forward to trying the food. I was greeted by Jackie at the till, but unfortunately, the interaction left much to be desired. When I ordered a coffee with my sandwich, Jackie asked me a question that I didn’t quite catch. I politely asked her to repeat herself, to which she responded curtly, “You no wanting the soup and sandwich deal?” When I inquired about the soup of the day, I was met with an even more dismissive response. Jackie simply pointed to a small board in front of me and said, “It’s right there in front of your eyes,” with no eye contact and a tone that felt unwelcoming. Her attitude made the experience uncomfortable, and I almost walked out. I believe some basic customer service training along with a focus on warmth, eye contact, and clear communication would greatly improve the atmosphere at this place. Unfortunately, I won’t be returning when I’m next...

Visited this cafe for a coffee and an apple juice after my physical therapy a few weeks ago. I was served by a young, blonde female. I made my order with the necessary manners and as I waited, I admired the shop and felt the need to pass on this compliment to my server by telling her 'This is a nice shop you have here'. I didn't expect the 'I know that. You don't have to tell me that' All with the attitude of a teenager being made to do PE.

The snootiness this young woman conveyed to a customer, for no good reason, was disgusting.

I can only assume that as I was limping, with my tracksuit on and being a bit sweaty after my physical therapy, she assumed my standing in society was too low to address her.

I considered challenging her behaviour there and then but as I had been up all night in pain and by this point, it being around 1030 am, I decided I'd go back and complain at a later date when my strength returned. But alas, my work has taken me out the area. So I will have to warn, via Google, you fine people instead.

I'd avoid the place if I were you. And I will most definitely avoid the next...