The Crafty Egg — Restaurant in Bristol

Additional response to the owner: Thanks for your response. I just want to clarify that I’m not the same person as the other reviewer, though I believe they may have been the Asian couple I mentioned in my review, who also weren’t informed about the optional service charge. Their review was posted before mine, and it describes a nearly identical experience.

Seeing both of us raise the same concern should be a reason to reflect, not assume it’s one person leaving multiple one star reviews. The copy-pasted response felt impersonal and honestly added to the feeling of being dismissed. This isn’t just about a service charge, it’s about fair and consistent treatment. I hope you’ll take this seriously and consider how your team can improve moving forward. Listening without assumptions is the first step!! I visited this restaurant today with my partner and unfortunately had a very unpleasant experience as an Asian couple. From the moment we walked in, we didn’t feel welcome. There was an awkward atmosphere, and it seemed like the staff were reluctant to engage with us before we were finally seated.

When it came time to order, we were asked to pay upfront, which is fine, but we weren’t informed about the optional service charge. The staff member simply presented the total on the card machine without explanation. I only realised later that we had been charged an 8% service fee without being given the option to opt out.

What made this experience even more upsetting was noticing a clear inconsistency. I overheard the same staff member informing other tables (white customers) that the service charge was optional and they could choose to remove it. However, neither our table nor another Asian couple seated nearby were given the same courtesy. This left me feeling incredibly uncomfortable and frankly, discriminated against. It felt as though there was an assumption that we wouldn't know our rights or question the charge, and that’s deeply disappointing.

The food was okay but portions were small for the price, and overall, it did not justify the cost, especially considering how we were treated.

I don’t usually leave negative reviews, but this experience left a lasting impression, and I felt it was important to share. I hope the restaurant takes this feedback seriously and ensures fair and respectful treatment for all guests, regardless...

Came for brunch, waited outside for 30 minutes for a table, which we didn't mind as we'd seen the recent great reviews.

We ordered the Turkish eggs, Afghan eggs and hummus eggs. We paid on ordering rather than after our meal, which is odd, but even stranger was that we were not presented with the bill when we paid - we assumed the server had the total correct. The server informed us of a 10% service charge, despite it not being stated on the menu. I also find it strange that we would be asked to pay for service charge, before receiving service - if upon leaving the restaurant we decided the service was poor, would we need to ask to be refunded the charge?

Food was ok, Turkish eggs looked great but didn't taste of much other than yoghurt, could barely taste the dill. The Afghan eggs mostly tasted of the tomato salsa, and the hummus eggs of hummus.

The cafe itself was pretty humid, likely as there were so many plants in there.

In the bathroom, there is a notice on the wall that says, for each 5* review the management will add £5 to the tip that goes to the staff, which might explain the recent 5* reviews. Honestly this left a bad taste in my mouth - don't guilt trip paying customers into leaving good reviews because you don't pay your staff properly.

Ultimately it wasn't worth the wait, I won't go back. Be wary...

I wasn’t impressed, sadly. I didn’t like the policy of them wanting you to pay before eating and also asking for a 8% Service Charge that was mentioned as optional at the end ( maybe that won’t bother you). I eat out a lot and will happily tip staff who work split shifts of lunch and dinner sittings or work late evening hours, who are serving not just one course but two or three. I feel it rather cheeky to be asking for service fee for a one plate meal and drink. I also wasn’t impressed by the price of tea for the size they serve, it costs nearly nothing for more water, so either supply larger mugs or offer more hot water. I can’t complain about the food, there was nothing wrong with it, although I felt the portion size was on the small size for the price. I know it’s not about quantity it’s about quality but I felt a little short changed. I CAN complain that I didn’t receive my potatoes and Kale with The Meat Crafty breakfast, maybe a genuine mistake but obviously this didn’t help with my unhappy feelings. I will say my partner was happy with her Halloumi Potato Hash meal, but she did agree that she would have felt the same if she had ordered my meal. I wouldn’t deter friends to eat here but I personally won’t...