Esquires Coffee Ambleside — Restaurant in England

We visited Ambleside and thought this looked like a nice little coffee shop to stop at for a nice drink and a bite to eat. We explained that there were 2 households of 7 altogether, but would be happy to sit separately in order to prevent any issues which the first member of staff said was ok and proceeded to seat us at 2 separate tables.

Unfortunately the second member of staff (I'm assuming she was a supervisor) huffed and puffed about the fact there were 7 of us (which is clearly stated on the government website that 2 households of any size can currently meet indoors in hospitality settings etc.) stating this "was not ok".

My sister went up to speak to the second member of staff to ask if there was an issue and was basically shot down, with "the rule of 6" comment thrown out numerous times, despite my sister trying to explain the government guidance clearly allows 2 households of any size in such settings.

The man behind the counter (who we believe to be a manager) said we were breaking the law and repeated "goodbye" to which I went up with the screenshot of the guidance shown on the government website to prove the point. He again dismissed me as though I was trash off the street.

It's the first holiday we've all had in a long time and this really upset us all, as well as embarrassing us too.

If it's the policy of the business to have no more than 6 per table regardless, we could understand to a certain degree despite what the government website says, however the attitude displayed was completely disgusting and unprofessional which is no way to treat anyone, let alone paying customers, and could not warn others against going to this place enough as a result to avoid the experience we had.

EDIT: in response to the reply from the owner, I'd like to clarify a few things.

Firstly, we were a group of 7 with no children, not 11 with children, so not sure you have the right group here - maybe you've had the same issue more than once which might actually mean there's a theme here?

Secondly, we were very upset by the attitude displayed (check some of your other reviews that clearly states the same problem), otherwise we would have been more than happy to put custom your way. I think it's justified on this matter alone that we were in the right to challenge such hostility.

Thirdly, I think you need to read the guidelines again, as what you have quoted literally states "Gatherings above the limit of 6 people or 2 households indoors can only take place if they are covered by a legal exemption" which is aimed at gatherings ABOVE the 2 household limit, something of which we were clearly highlighting to you in the first place - I'd check your facts first before sending a terribly grammatic reply to reviews in future.

Lastly, I know full well what a "blowhard" is thank you. Maybe you should look up the meaning of "Customer...

I visited here on the 07/07/23 and had the most amazing experience, server was super lovely which is what made the experience. Food was good on both occasions I went. However, I came back to visit on the 31/07/23 and is was far from perfect. My partner and I specifically sought out this place because of our previous excellent experience so when looking on Google for the place in order to get directions and seeing a 3.9 star rating we were quite puzzled. Upon arriving there was a queue so had to wait which we thought must be a good sign, shows it's busy right? Then once sat down I went up to the till to order to then find out that they had no hash browns so as you might also do yourself asked for a substitute which in this case I asked for more toast to which I was declined. I then asked for money off since I'm not getting the full meal advertised on the menu which I was then declined again. Admittley my frustration and disappointment was directed at the server at the till in which I apologise as they were just taking orders from the old moody bald muppet stood behind the coffee machine who I refused to even look at. Upon sitting back down to wait for my food I realised I had not ordered one of the breakfasts as vegertarian so quickly went back up to the till (mind you this was within a few minutes of ordering) to change the order. I was then declined at first saying they can't do that by another moody old bat in the kitchen but then somehow ended up being told it would be a 30 minute wait which I was happy to do so but seemed almost as if they weren't expecting me to be happy with that. We received our drinks first (two lattes) which were very lovely I must admit and then when we received our food, both plates were meat options! Got it changed and finally managed to sit down and eat, not a great experience at all. Lovely chunks of remnant food on the cutlery too. I would have given zero stars if the servers bringing us the food and drinks hadn't been nice. I can now see where the 3.9 star rating has emerged from. If the server that was working on the 07/07/23 remembers my partner and I, we had our baby with us and also asked you to fill our baby bottle with some hot water. You were an absolute star, I do wish I got your name but keep it up, you literally defined our experience last time and we both really appreciate...

It can only be the convenience of this shop’s location in a busy tourist town that is keeping it alive.

Mediocre food served by a collective of rude and abrupt staff.

You pay in advance of your food arriving, so perhaps it is that nobody is motivated to earn tips - but the staff go on as if getting people their food is some sort of high pressure production line, barking orders and snapping at customers.

The place was virtually empty when we arrived (to be greeted by having orders shouted at us regarding mask wearing & track and trace before we’d even had a chance to glance at the signage), we were then given approximately 40 seconds to read the menu before we were asked what we wanted.

I asked “Can we order a drink and have a few more minutes to look at the food?” to be told “no, food must be ordered first.” I politely asked why and was told “it is easier for the kitchen that way”, said in a way that implied I was an idiot for suggesting anything that might have been a detriment for those in the kitchen.

I don’t quite understand this, as I saw my coffee being made outside the kitchen so I’m not sure how it impacted the staff in there but we obliged nonetheless.

The wait for our food was spent observing new customers come in for a verbal grilling by any and all available staff members. Virtually everyone who was seated could be overheard muttering in awe of the drill sergeant old lady who was tasked with seating people. One table of five quietly called ahead to warn the pour soul who would be joining them 5 minutes later, shielding the phone from view in a hurried conversation for fear of getting lashings from our new captors.

Nobody seemed to be enjoying the experience there - staff and customers alike. Altogether a horrible environment. The food arrived and despite our collective efforts to make things as easy as possible for those in the kitchen, the food was distinctly OK, not worth suffering the abuse for and certainly not worth going back for, even if the experience was more pleasant.

Menus & cutlery containers were dirty too - I’d suggest more time spent cleaning those would help combat Covid more than barking the orders that are already signposted.

Go on other review sites and sort by most recent. This is not an uncommon experience. Try Daisy’s nearby. Half the price, 10x the food...