The Vault Coventry — Restaurant in Coventry

Disclaimer: I have given a higher overall score because of the quality of the food, but I try to give the benefit of the doubt and not be overly harsh.

Review:

If my access to a table depended on how much I was spending, I would much rather the male worker had succinctly made that clear at the start. Because what happened was very apparent in a rather derogatory and disingenuous way. As I walked into the establishment, the staff were busy as you’d expect on a sunny Sunday when folks are brunching and lunching. That’s not the problem. It was the approach and slyness. I’m glad the place was busy. I want businesses to do well. Coventry needs thriving businesses. But it needs good CS as well👍

What happened? So, basically, when the server at the till greeted me, he asked whether I was getting only a drink OR just food. I guess he must’ve assumed I was closer to being destitute than well off. He’s probably right, but that’s not his job to assess! Instead of simply stating that maybe they had reservations (as the place was busy) with only larger tables available, he was trying to figure out how much I was going to spend. If my getting a table depended on that, just say it. Don’t try to BS me.

I’d say my spend at the restaurant was the equivalent of two meals. Although I personally didn’t buy two meals to scoff, the equivalency was that of two meals. And I’m pretty sure this amount was what secured me the table. Because he was not looking so eager to give a larger table for JUST a drink or JUST a plate of food.

The food itself was good. It was very good, to be honest. The OJ on the other hand…. Look, i won’t water it down and say otherwise. It was not. For something sold to me as “freshly squeezed,” it was incredibly diluted. This place is not Harrods in London with global recognition and prestige to be watering it down with ice as much as it was and still charging nearly four pounds, nor is the orange juice cheap enough to be as diluted as much as it was. Something to think about I’d say 🤔

The lady who took my order and payment was nice and kind. In fact, she was very pleasant. Less of an agenda in her eyes. Same with the guy who served the food. Top class service from those two👌

The male who greeted me at the till upon entering was not as pleasant as one would hope. He wasn’t rude and inattentive, but he wasn’t as honest and open with what he wanted to say, and going around it in a roundabout way (rather than just being politely honest) doesn’t sit well with me. I know the world is full of people who overreact. I know Coventry has its own problems. I understand the society and the location. But if the worker wanted to give me a smaller table and didn’t have any, he should have just stated that there’s a minimum spend for a bigger table, or stated that they were reserved. Even if the latter would’ve been a lie, I would have accepted it graciously. Not wanting to give me a table when you thought I was only ordering a single item was not the best way to make it clear you appreciate my custom or want me to return.

Folks, I’m not special. In fact, perhaps I’m as average (or below) as they come, but customer service can ruin someone’s day. And making someone feel like they’re not worthy of eating at your establishment isn’t nice…

Look, for me, I shall write this and get over it, but someone else may not. Think about that even if you don’t care that you serve ridiculously watered down orange juice. To be honest, it’s not about the juice, but it certainly doesn’t help your case!

Fact is, If you want people to enter the establishment and return, maybe bring honesty and respect along with good food. Good food isn’t as good once the service crisps up like a burnt turkey rasher.

I came once before with a friend, and unless I feel like I’m going to get good service, I won’t come again. I don’t care how good the food is if the service dampens your palate before the meal even makes it to your table. I try not to be scathing, but if you treat me like I’m not welcomed at the start, I’m not going to leave...

We must have come on a bad day because everyone’s experience is definitely different to mine. No seats available on arrival so opted for the high stools instead A group of influencer wannabes who had finished their food spent 30mins plus trying to get the perfect picture around the restaurant. That table could have been given to customers whilst the girls were busy photographing themselves. Also note.. they had finished their food and left their handbags there to keep the table. I asked for 2 desserts, was told they were not available as they aren’t popular… so why do you have them on the menu? When a table was free I asked if we could have them and was told they were reserved. Earlier, I did ask that they let us know as soon as a table was free. But no one did. Was offered the sofa seats instead, then random customers who were also waiting for seats decided they would sit on the sofas whilst we were eating our food. I wasn’t looking for a stranger's tea party. Seems that people don’t use common sense when seeing a family of 4 eating together. Chai was watery I asked what came with the chicken pie. Was told it was a puff pastry with chicken and mushroom in it. After asking again was told it came with salad. When it arrived it was a chicken and mushroom pie in the middle of the plate and dry salad circled around it

I think customer service needs to be improved, as well as setting expectations when it comes to seating your customers. Also, further knowledge of what is served is...

recently had the pleasure of enjoying brunch at a well-regarded local establishment, and the experience exceeded expectations on multiple fronts. From the moment we were seated, the atmosphere was welcoming—balancing a laid-back vibe with polished service.

The menu offered a thoughtful selection of both classic and modern brunch staples. I opted for the avocado toast topped with poached eggs, accompanied by a side of smoked salmon. The dish was beautifully presented, with vibrant colors and clean plating. The sourdough was perfectly toasted—crisp on the outside with a soft interior—and the avocado was fresh and generously spread. The eggs were poached to perfection, with a rich, golden yolk that added a luxurious texture to each bite.

Service was attentive without being intrusive, and the timing between courses was well-paced. The coffee was robust and aromatic, served hot and refilled regularly, while the fresh orange juice tasted genuinely squeezed—not overly sweet or artificial.

If there’s any room for improvement, it might be in the pricing—on the higher end for brunch—but given the quality of ingredients and the care in preparation, it felt justified.

Overall, the brunch was a delightful experience that balanced flavor, freshness, and atmosphere. I would confidently recommend it to anyone looking for a quality weekend meal in a relaxed yet...