Academy Espresso Bar — Restaurant in Barry

Some pubs and restaurants have introduced new and exciting innovations in these difficult times. One such venue which has made structural improvements (increased outdoor seating) and introduced a scan code to peruse the menu and order food/drinks is the Academy in Barry -a place I have patronised since its opening and recommended to numerous others. Never again!

In short there are problems with accessing the menu/paying via the scan code - three out of four in my party yesterday, were unable to either access the menu/process an order. When I tried to explain the situation to an alleged senior member of staff she dismissed me, sending a young guy to show me how to “use” my phone(!!!!) while she and 3 or 4 others stood chatting at the counter. To say I was unimpressed is an understatement. I may not see my 20s again but I do know how to (and have made many purchases) using such codes at other venues in and around Wales. When the young man failed to make it work he returned to the counter and we waited for evidence of the promised “Work hard and be nice to people” slogan emblazoned on the t-shirt of his retreating back to join his similarly clad colleagues. My friend (whose birthday celebration this was), failed in her attempt at the counter to purchase a bottle of Prosecco and pay via card. No offer/action to rectify the situation was forthcoming from these staff dedicated to being nice to people. Eventually a young (and I can only assume inexperienced) manager approached us to offer his (empty) apology whilst simultaneously “vouching” for the member of staff who had dismissed my ability to use my own phone. We decided to leave. On our way out we paused to talk to another customer whose card had been accepted for payment at the counter. The manager approached us again and tried to explain it was Welsh Government legislation that had prevented them serving my friend at the counter. I replied that when the scanning code fails, there is nothing in WG legislation that prevents from them from taking our order at the table and allowing us to pay at the table. At this point he told me that he was “ending the conversation.”

Thankfully James Sommerin had free outside tables where we were able to enjoy excellent wine and more importantly first-class customer service. Academy, you need to do better than this - a lot better. Actions speak louder than...

My recent visit to this place left much to be desired in terms of service and attention to detail. Upon ordering a Pepsi and a gin and tonic through the app, I settled in and waited for my drinks to arrive. After 15 minutes of waiting, I approached the bar to enquire about the status of my order. The server's response was lacklustre, simply stating that they had missed my order without a genuine apology.

When the drinks finally arrived, the same server's apology felt insincere. Moreover, I was disappointed to see that the gin and tonic was served in a highball glass, despite the availability of lovely gin glasses that would have elevated the presentation. No lemon either.

The lack of care in the presentation of the gin and tonic, coupled with the server's dismissive attitude towards the missed order, left a poor impression.

While I appreciate the eventual delivery of my drinks, the overall experience fell short of my expectations. I hope that the management takes note of these issues and works to improve the service and consistency in drink preparation. Until then, I may reconsider my regular visits to this establishment.unlikely to revisit when we are...

Normally love this place but not a great experience today. Both people who served our drinks and food did not come across very smiley or friendly at all. One of them put our drinks down so hard that the water in the teapot spilt. No apologies or offer to clear it up. We were told a 30 minute wait for food but it ended up being nearer 40 minutes and my partner’s food was only lukewarm, and the cutlery looked like it needed another wash. Appreciate places get busy especially at weekends, but the place seemed barely half full when we got our food. Bit disappointing, especially as we came here specially for Mothers Day. The person who took my order was...