Sage Coffee Shop — Restaurant in Coventry

I visited this cafe yesterday, arriving at around 9 a.m. I ordered an Americano and settled at a table to work. Initially, the staff at the counter were friendly and welcoming, which set a positive tone. However, my experience quickly took a disappointing turn due to the behavior of one staff member.

First, she asked me to move from the table I was using to a high table so she could join my table with another for new customers. Although inconvenient, I agreed and kindly gave up my seat.

Later, at around 1:30 p.m., the same staff member approached me again—this time, asking me to leave. At first, I thought she was suggesting another table, but it became clear she was asking me to vacate the cafe entirely. When I asked where I was supposed to go, her response was dismissive: "There’s a place down the road you could go to. To be fair, I’ve given you the table for almost five hours."

I was stunned and humiliated. While I had intended to stay longer and even order a meal, her disrespectful attitude drove me to leave immediately.

This was an upsetting and disappointing experience, especially since I’ve frequented many other cafes without ever being asked to leave, regardless of how long I stayed.

I cannot recommend this place, particularly for anyone hoping to enjoy their coffee while working or spending time in a relaxed environment.

My reply to owners comment: It’s evident that you don’t fully understand what true customer service entails, despite being in the industry for years. Unfortunately, I don’t believe I’m the only one who has faced such treatment at your establishment. In fact, I’ve attached a screenshot of a review from 7 months ago describing a similar incident, which only reinforces the pattern of poor customer care.

For your information, a more appropriate and respectful approach would have been to ask if I, or any other customer in a similar situation, would like to order something else. This simple gesture could have ensured a positive experience while maintaining your business goals. As I mentioned in my initial review, I had planned to order a meal, but the treatment I received left me no choice but to leave.

Customer service is not just about managing tables; it’s about fostering an inviting environment that encourages customers to return. Sadly, this was far from my experience at your...

I was lost for words after my visit to the Sage Cafe. I was looking for somewhere to jump on a quick call with work. I noticed this cafe had free WiFi, I thought perfect I will pop in and have a coffee. I spotted a breakfast bar like seating area on arrival and collecting my coffee from the counter. I thought I would sit up there with my laptop as I would be out of anyone’s way. Unfortunately, the WiFi didn’t work in this section of the cafe (it was in an alcove, obviously a dead spot, my phone hotspot wouldn’t work either) so I had no choice but to move to the table next to me. On 3 occasions whilst I was on the phone to a customer I was interrupted and intimidated to leave the table as apparently I was taking up too much room. It was a 50cm x 50cm table with 4 chairs squashed in and around it. Now I understand they cannot justify one person taking up 4 chairs in a busy cafe. However, I didn’t have any choice as there was nowhere else to sit. I was quite happy for the staff to take the chair so that they could be used elsewhere in the premises. As mentioned, on 3 occasions I was asked to move (I don’t know where they were expecting me to move to, I think they were indirectly asking me to leave, charming). On the 2nd occasion I was aggressively approached by a member of the public who proceeded to sit directly infront on the same 50cm x 50cm square table and spout abuse. This was all in front of a customer during an important meeting via a video call, how embarrassing! May I add, I had only been in the cafe 20 minutes at this point. On the 3rd occasion the member of staff brought me over an A4 notice board with their (laptop policy) which wasn’t visible when I came in. Regardless, they should make people verbally aware if this is something they are trying to enforce on arrival when they can see they are using a laptop. I would also suggest not actively advertising ‘free WiFi’ on the shop front if you don’t want to attract working customers on laptops. I can see other paying customers have had a similar experience. I have never in my working life had an encounter like this one and I have to drop into cafes regularly to work for short periods in between meetings. I had not choice but to leave. What an unpleasant establishment. Avoid...

Amazing place!!

I ordered a fresh mint tea and almond croissant and my friend a decaf flat white with a sausage roll. All of it was absolutely amazing!!! My tea was actually an infusion, and I had honey and lemon in it (they asked if I wanted honey, I asked extra for the lemon, to which they said they'll add it if they have one), and the ratios were perfect, and genuinely invoked a wonder for making my own teas!! The flat white was also incredibly good despite being decaf. I think we spent around £12 total. Our order is uncommon for a coffee shop, so I'm usually expecting disappointment but this place delivered wonder and whimsy in a paper cup. 10/10 would recommended and trust with my morning :D

The atmosphere was amazing too!! The workers all had flower crowns which was quite fun too, although I'm not sure if that's every time or just because Earlsdon Festival was happening. The staff were really lovely, and it looked like a nice place to sit (it had more seats than I'd expect of a shop that size too). I will definitely be going back :D

(the image shows what was left of my drink, I was too busy enjoying it to take a picture when I...