Two Magpies Bakery Aldeburgh — Restaurant in East Suffolk

Just like its Blakeney and Southwold store, the Aldeburgh Two Magpie's does not discriminate in its frigid and sniffy welcome to all comers. Great pastries, excellent sandwiches, good coffee (served hot and 'coldly'!) and Holland Park prices geared to the 'DFL's holidaying at their second home.

'Two Magpies' is like Wanstead's 'Gail's' in terms of quality but without a local clientele that earn the massive London salaries needed to pay £4 for a croissant? (Quite fitting that a company who've stolen Gail's model are called 'magpies'??)

On entering to buy a few coffees for a beach walk, I was told - without being looked at - I had to go 'next door to the bakery' to order. Apparently, the main door is only for those who wish to be seated, so make sure you don't embarrass yourself too. I had been about to utter, "And six of your raspberry friands, please..." before being curtly directed out the main door to the next one.

By the time I reached the bakery (now just to order drinks), the employee who'd given me the warm welcome had teleported here too and was eating their lunch in the window. Identical contempt I'd received at Blakeney's Two Magpies, 12 months earlier when I'd been made to wait TWENTY minutes for two Americanos, without apology. BUT the barista here at Aldeburgh was a decent sort - diligent and coy!

Tip to the Magpies, if you insist on charging day-trippers what you do, make them feel a bit less of an inconvenience. My advice to co-shoppers thinking of getting lunch here is go and expect nothing in terms of eye conatct/small talk/friendliness from employees and you'll walk away having tased something good.

Food - 5/5 Coffee -...

I visited the Aldeburgh branch of Two Magpies with a friend today; upon entry we were informed that they couldn’t offer bubble and squeak or the vegetarian breakfast but there were plenty of other options so we weren’t too bothered. I asked for a GF menu which was extremely similar to the regular one (unusual and FAB!). I attempted to order the smoked haddock on toast, however, was informed that this was also out of stock… I settled for the Lebanese salad bowl as 3 options had been eliminated. This arrived promptly but was missing the gluten free croutons mentioned on the menu which was disappointing as this was the main ‘substance’ of the meal if you will. I asked the server who was helpful and went to ask the chef why they were missing but I was informed that they didn't have any at the moment and could offer me a slice of bread? I felt disappointed that I had essentially paid £13 for a bowl of lettuce and would’ve appreciated knowing there would be no croutons upon ordering, as I certainly would have picked something else! All in all, a pretty underwhelming visit and felt as though my needs were not taken seriously nor catered to...

Gawd, what can I say? We made a bee line back here after sampling the most delicious cakes from our first visit to Aldeburgh back in March. Today, I bought a Chelmer loaf - honestly so lovely - this bread actually tastes of something and is absolutely faultless. I then bought a lemon and blueberry donut and a rhubarb and orange Bakewell slice to share with my husband. The donut was stale and chewy, although admittedly very lemony and the slice had no fruit flavour at all - it was just pure sugar. So disappointed - we don't often get to treat ourselves like this because of finances but when we do, we expect the quality that we are being charged for. The lady that served us was dismissive and abrupt too - just very keen to get on to next customer (bank holiday rush and all that I guess) - she took no care over the handling of our cakes, shoving them quickly into bags and slamming them on counter. I was also privy to her grumbling to one of the other servers about the lack of tips they had received in their dish on the counter - I think this was more her focus. Debating a...