Holme Coffee House - Penistone — Restaurant in Barnsley

Hiding in plain sight - Best coffee all week (cake too) Sorry we didn't eat there.

We weren't expecting too much of Penistone, but should have known better.

This little shop isn't too much to look at from the outside, but don't they tick all the boxes once you enter. It was almost crowded, a good sign, yet there were spaces when you looked around. The cakes behind glass had that quality of cordon bleu that comes with care and attention, and intriguing hints of flavour in their names. The coffees had their own tasting notes on view, a sure sign that someone had an idea of what a coffee house should be. We were not able to try a meal, sadly, and no opportunity to return, but if we had had time, we would have been back.

The service was great, greeted on entry, conducted to a choice of seating, and the server was equipped to answer enquiries about the coffees and teas on offer, had an opinion about the menu items, and was generally helpful.

By coincidence the owner was there when I complimented the staff on the fine service and how that almost indefinable 'ambience' was dead right. Not easy to achieve nowadays unless the staff are fully committed and share the quality service ethic. There's another site. Probably just as good, because the owner has the right attitude to providing quality product and service.

What else can I say except 'Go there. Try it. I'm sure you won't be...

So this is a bit of a mixed review. The food is excellent, the new male member of staff was very understanding and took our order and presented it to the kitchen. The only adjustment that we asked was that if the fruit on the particular dish could be substituted for banana. Now you would think that removing blueberries and adding banana would be easy. Unfortunately not, the owner came over and said dishes can’t be changed or substituted. The weirdness came when we left the dishes as they were, and the requested banana was added. So as these dishes are prepared fresh, why on earth was it impossible to leave the blueberries off when they added the banana. Overall the food was excellent but the attitude of the lady serving us spoilt our experience. A simple request turned into a major problem. So if you visit, be careful not to substitute any of the choices, no flexibility is allowed… I would therefore steer clear of you have any allergies or dislikes. The new fella is...

We had great lunch at Holme Coffee House in Penistone. Lovely atmosphere with friendly and helpful staff. Duke and Daisy enjoyed their Pupachinos too! The only issue was the step at the entrance. This meant me getting out of my wheelchair and navigating the step while my husband folded the chair and took it in. I understand this is a new shop and hope that the owners will see the need to make it accessible. A comment was made that "There hasn't been a need" for a ramp but if there isn't a ramp / a sign to say a ramp is available, businesses may never know there is a need. Most disabled people will pass on by and take their custom elsewhere. Since posting a review on my blog, two residents of Penistone have said that this is a coffee shop they avoid because they too are...