Higher Ground, Hirst Lock — Restaurant in Bradford

Food brought to table, DRINKS ARE NOT!!! We were unaware of this plus had my granddaughter so carrying 2 hot drinks was not an option. (Apparently they shouted out Tea and Latte, but I was down in the floor in a busy children's area and my sister is hard of hearing). Half way through eating the food which was brought to the table, we asked for the drinks thinking they'd forgotten. She told me that they were there on the side of the counter but theyd been there ages and were now cold She informed me that you're supposed to collect your own drinks and she'd shouted when they were ready. After which she carried on serving and promptly ignored me. I assumed she was going to make fresh ones but was just narked at me for not collecting them. I waited until she'd finished and asked if I could have our drinks but she just walked off. Sitting back down, I thought she might bring them but over once she had a minute. Clearly after no new drinks appeared I wasn't going to get them. In the end I asked another girl explaining that the drinks had been left in the counter and gone cold. She offered to get me another, but the said she'd better check if it was ok. After 5 minutes she came and said I'll make you another tea . ... No mention of the latte. I waited at the counter and still no drinks. Then a queue of people came so she served them all and I waited. By this time my granddaughter was crying so I went and picked her up and waited at the till. Still no drinks. I asked again if I could have the drinks please .... By which time I'd clearly become invisible as both girls were back at the counter and a third came out and walked past me twice. Eventually close to tears and feeling like a complete idiot, I approached the third girl Explaing the situation again, I asked if I could have either a drink, a refund or a clear response of ' No sod off it's your own fault '. That way I'd at least know not to wait anymore and either leave or take the cold drinks to my sister who was sat on her own. She did at least listen but came back with the manager rather than drinks. So I repeated the whole thing again. He explained in depth what a wonderful cafe it was and that they bring food to the table and drinks to the side. Usually they tell people but obviously on this occasion something had gone wrong, mis communication.etc etc. He apologized and offered to replace the drinks but he would leave them in the counter so best to wait there! So I had to go back explain the process to my sister and send her back for them as I couldnt carry 2 hot drinks and a baby. By which time baby had had enough, in the end we got them but I had to leave and take the tea with me. The pea and mint soup was very nice, and the manager eventually put it right, but the whole experience for me was ruined over the price of a tea bag and not offering to warn the latte up in a microwave. I left feeling deflated and not a...

We called in on a Saturday lunchtime for a coffee and a toasted tea-cake each. Parking outside on the road was difficult due to the popularity of Hirst Lock and the local nature reserve.

The queue at the desk was only about half a dozen folk but took 15/20 minutes waiting before we were able to order. Not good.

The tea-cakes came in a paper tray with three small butter packets, a jam sachet and a wooden knife. Although it was delicious, I was concerned about the amount of waste being generated.

The tea-cakes could come on a plate, the knife could be metal and the butter and jam could be in small re-useable pots. Whilst we we eating I watched a member of staff dealing with a large bag of waste in front of us, which was doubtless caused by the amount of rubbish being created.

A Flat White, Cappuchino and two tea-cakes was £11 odd.

I doubt we will...

I've been walking the canal for 2 years and my neighbour recommended that I visit the cafe. So I did just that this weekend. I am a little fussy about bacon. It has to be cooked enough. I always ask for well done and it rarely ever is. Anyway, I thought, I'd give their bacon and brie panini a go. Oh my God! Hats off. No rubbery uncooked bits. It was perfect. The cuppa was good.

The cakes looked beautiful and moist, the area was clean. People were respectful, cleaning up after themselves. The toilets were clean. The staff were quick on wiping tables down. They were polite and welcoming. Good mood music, bit of Fleetwood Mac in the background. Free WiFi. Pup treats on the counter.

Overall, a nice experience. Good prices. I'll definitely be making more regular pit stops...