Boston Tea Party Edgbaston — Restaurant in Birmingham

Having lived and worked in this location for many years, Boston Tea Party was always one of my go tos, I’ve never had a bad meal and service has always been superb. I decided to grab a quick breakfast on morning travels, I was greeted by a friendly waitress who asked if I'd eaten here before - I replied I had many times but she proceeded to explain the system to me anyway. Waitresses on auto pilot but friendly enough, no problems. I could hear a lively party towards the front part of the venue which the waitress tried to usher me towards (perhaps to make things easier for them to keep track of tables maybe), I sat at the back part of the restaurant. I chose the only table that was not within talking distance of anyone as I was lone diner with a headache. I fancied a peaceful breakfast away from the hustle and bustle of family meals etc. The table I sat at seated 4, whilst waiting for my food and drink I decided to check a few emails, I was greeted by another waitress "excuse me, would you mind moving please?" I asked why the reason I was given was basically as a sole dinner they didn’t want to risk a larger group because of little old me (way to make your long-time customers feel small!) If the place was heaving or if there was someone waiting, I could understand but it was 9:45?! Not sure where the rush was? I relented anyway and moved to an adjacent 2-seater, what happened next was very interesting...Another lone diner of Caucasian background sat at the table I'd just vacated and I patiently watched and waited for a waitress to ask him to move tables but this never happened. Now the waitress who asked me to move was suddenly extremely apologetic and I recall her coming back to my table at least twice with guilt slapped all over her face to ask if everything was ok with my meal or if I needed anything (pretty sure this was timed until I had a mouth full of food but will give the benefit of doubt on that one) By this time I’m not sure what I was more unimpressed about the poor service or unconscious bias? Note to manager/owner – 1.You shouldn’t tell customers they can sit anywhere, then 10 mins after they’ve sat down ask them to move to another table in case a large party comes in that’s pathetic service, how about dealing with the customers who have chosen to attend first? I genuinely don’t feel I could’ve been made to feel anymore unwelcome if your staff had tried such a shame as the food was awesome and it’s really convenient when I’m in Birmingham but I won’t be parting with any more money at this venue unfortunately maybe it’s my type of custom BTP are trying to steer away from not sure I went to BTP in City Centre the day after albeit for a takeaway and had no issues whatsoever but could certainly feel a much more welcoming,...

I’ve always loved visiting Boston Tea Party and have recommended it to many people over the years. That’s why I was genuinely shocked and disappointed by the behaviour of a staff member during my recent visit to this branch.

From the moment I approached the till, I was met with an abrupt and rude attitude from a staff member named Elizah. I said I’d like a takeout, and she snapped back with a blunt, “What?” I paused and asked, “Excuse me?” She then explained that “some people aren’t happy paying for cups for hot drinks because they’re expensive, so I just want to make sure before you start asking for one and then complain.”

I then realised her “What?” was actually her way of asking me what I wanted to order. I genuinely found that hysterical. I’ve never been spoken to like that when ordering food. If you’re working in a customer-facing role, there’s no reason you shouldn’t know how to communicate politely and professionally.

I ordered an item that’s currently being advertised vastly by Boston, only to be told part of it was unavailable. That’s not a big issue—I’d have ordered something else. But instead, I was told she’d “make an exception and let me have it anyway”, as if I were doing something wrong just by asking. It was unnecessarily patronising.

Another staff member came over and was similarly dismissive and cold. The overall energy and communication from the staff today were genuinely unpleasant.

I must say, though, that the young boy working there was absolutely lovely, as he always is. I even told him directly (when I’d asked for her name) that I found Elizah very rude, and he kindly apologised on her behalf, which I appreciated. He’s a true credit to the brand and consistently provides warm, respectful service.

I’m a fair person and I understand busy shifts (although it was not busy at this particular time) or the occasional mistake—but what I won’t tolerate is someone being outright rude. If you’re in a role where you’re speaking to people all day, there’s a basic standard of courtesy that should be met.

After this experience, I won’t be returning. It’s such a shame because I’ve always spoken so highly of Boston Tea Party—but I can’t support a place where that kind of attitude...

first time I've been here I wasn't going to write a review but I changed my mind. Round the corner near little cafe, on arrival I was greeted at the door lovely host. had a looka round as not been before and had a toddler in a pram. really busy place most tables were taken.

Found a table set up the toddler but couldn't order from the app/que code. Went to the till placed the order eggs Benedict chips pancake and fruit for the little one.

food arrived looked great pancakes 2 large ones with a side of maple syrup and bananas - good size bowl of chips eggs Benedict 2 eggs on sourdough initially looks fabulous. little one eventually had a mix of the pancakes and chips however I couldn't eat the eggs Benedict (11.95) the hollandaise sauce was bitter and the eggs were very vinegary making the taste very bitter after a couple bites I couldn't eat anymore so I left it. The cappuccino was great but sadly disappointing 1st visit. The waitress asked if the food was ok - I explained it wasn't she said she'd tell the chef, no refund or even apology worst eggs Benedict to date. Atmosphere was great busy but its such a shame as my local I would have...