Cafe Mila — Restaurant in Borough of Wyre

I rarely leave negative reviews, but what happened at Cafe Milla today was not just unacceptable—it was infuriating, humiliating, and deeply upsetting. I don’t write this lightly, but I feel compelled to share what we went through so that others—especially those from minority backgrounds—can make informed choices.

We arrived at Cafe Milla with the simple intention of enjoying a nice meal in what looked like a quaint, cozy cafe. It wasn’t particularly crowded when we came in, and we were seated promptly. The server who greeted us was actually quite polite and friendly, which gave us the initial impression that we were in good hands. But that’s where the positives ended.

We placed our order, expecting the usual 20-30 minute wait. What followed was over an hour of waiting, watching table after table of customers—who arrived long after us—receive their food, eat, finish, pay, and leave. Literally every other table in the cafe was turned over while we just sat there, forgotten. It wasn’t a misunderstanding or a kitchen delay—it was blatant.

What made this even worse—and frankly, hard to ignore—was that we are of a different ethnicity from every single other customer in the cafe at that time. It is difficult not to feel like that played a role when you’re watching newer, mostly white customers walk in, place their orders, get served promptly, and leave happy while you sit there for over an hour, growing more embarrassed and angry by the minute.

We weren’t demanding. We didn’t cause a scene. We waited, gave the benefit of the doubt, and even asked politely after 40 minutes where our food was. We were assured it was “coming soon.” It didn’t. Another 20+ minutes passed. By the time we finally received our food, the entire cafe had emptied out. The other customers had come and gone, the tables were being cleared, and we—still waiting—felt not just neglected, but completely invisible.

The server, again, was nice in demeanor, which honestly makes this all the more confusing and hurtful. We weren’t treated with overt hostility. But sometimes the worst kind of mistreatment is the passive kind—the kind where you’re quietly ignored, casually overlooked, and clearly deprioritized without explanation or apology.

The food, when it finally arrived, was average at best. But by then, it didn’t even matter. We were too upset, too humiliated, too tired of being made to feel like we didn’t belong there. We should never have had to wait that long. We should never have been passed over again and again while everyone else was served efficiently. And we should never have been made to feel that our presence in the cafe was less valued or respected than others’.

This was more than just a bad meal—it was a dehumanizing experience. Whether intentional or not, the message was clear: we weren’t a priority.

I hope the management of Cafe Milla sees this and reflects deeply on how their staff manages service during busy periods. If certain customers are being routinely served faster than others—especially when there is a visible difference in ethnicity—it raises serious questions about unconscious bias or worse.

We won’t be returning. And I would advise anyone who values fairness, dignity, and basic respect—especially those from marginalized communities—to think carefully before walking through...

We must go to specsavers as we're coming into Garstang nearly every week and didn't know about this place! It was my mum recommended me this cafe and she's not even local. Visited yesterday after the market, we had two hot drinks and an egg and sausage bap. Service was lovely and quick, my bap was just as delicious! Total came to £15 which i think it's reasonable. Bonus points ,it's a dog friendly cafe so this place will be a definite regular choice in the future! Extra bonus points it's a genuine family business which is alway what we're looking for! Well done Team!

Felt a little uneasy. Dog in toe needed to check access. Atmosphere in general OK. Staff and manager didn't communicate well. Ordered breakfast at 1115hrs advertised finish offering 1130. Food disappointing cold egg, dry bacon, dry black pudding. Toast arrived after breakfast presentation. Can't confirm but looks like it had sat under warmer and wasn't freshly cooked to order. Note to self choose ordering time carefully. No one available or interested in checking with us. Partners advocado browned. Sat a while? Not cheap. Felt unwelcome first time in. Need to do better. Go again? probably not other choice available. Honesty...