Genevieve's Cafe — Restaurant in England

Overall a really disappointing experience and don't understand the 5* reviews.

Let me start by saying, I had really been looking forward to visiting Genevieve's and chose this above Delapre. The pictures look clean, tidy, nice looking food and good menu. Also came recommended by a friend.

We struggled to park but persisted and found on street parking. Arrived at cafe and the first thingnthat hits you is the volume - it's loud. At this time in hindsight I should have left but wanted to give this new cafe a chance. As a youth and community worker, I have all the time and patience for young families but it just felt chaotic with babies and young kids crawling around the floor, with spilt meals also on the floor so navigating this to a free table was not that enjoyable or a good start. Found an empty table that had not been cleared so asked the table behind if it was free, or if they knew if the people were still in the cafe. The lady kindly told us the people had left so we sat down. A staff member came over a few minutes later and cleared the table but did not wipe it down and interaction with us was very minimal, wouldn't have hurt to say hello or ask if we have been before - I had to ask whether it was table service or order at the coffee station. I don't have an issue with going up to order, just maybe let your guests know where menus are and how to order would be a nice touch.

A highlight is the menu, the menu is varied and I would say there's something for everyone. Seeing the photos and other plates arrive was a reason to stay. We ordered two Caesar salads (one without bacon and dressing), they arrived in reasonable time but were a major let down. The presentation of other food coming out the kitchen did look excellent but what was presented to us was a pile of finely shredded lettuce and a very tough pre cooked and then double over cooked chicken. No parmesan flakes as described on menu, and lots of salt. Chicken could have used a steak knife. Only ate it because I felt bad for wasting it and we paid £15 per plate for a heap of lettuce and cheap overcooked chicken.

I wanted to express to a member of the team how unhappy I was with my meal and hope they may be able to improve the salad for me, however neither member of staff on shift came over to ask or check in. When I looked to go over to the counter on several occasions were either busy making drinks and so I did not want to interrupt or fully engaged in their own conversations in the corner of the area unaware to their guests, so this feeling left me thinking if they can't be bothered then they won't be interested in my feedback or trying to improve the situation.

Overall it felt like they wanted as many guests as possible without following with good service and space. I felt like I was in a white and beige wacky warehouse.

Could have just been a bad day to visit, but seems like the owner needs to experience the cafe themself as a guest.

Reducing the menu might help improve the overall quality and mean the kitchen have the time and effort to put into all their...

We stopped here for an alternative to a service station before joining the M1. The food was delicious and well-presented, and we didn't wait too long despite the cafe being almost full. I had the hash brown stack which I haven't seen anywhere else and which I'll definitely be trying to recreate at home as it was so good. My daughter demolished her sausage and chips and declared the chips 'best ever'! We also enjoyed a Bueno cookie pie from the selection of bakes on offer.

The main downside of the cafe was the noise - obviously noise is to be expected at a family-friendly cafe on a Saturday in the school holidays and it was nice that the children enjoyed the mini soft play area, but because there are very few soft furnishings there's nothing to dampen the volume. The lighting could also be improved - it felt a bit dim and cold inside which would be improved with cosier lighting.

Overall, Genevieve's Cafe was a great find and we would stop by again if travelling...

It's unfortunate to say but I do not recommend this cafe at all. We (2 adult and 1 child) visited 4 times and gave benefit of the doubt on our returns but every time its been a disaster for our order. Maybe OK for a coffee and sit while your child plays or use WiFi but definitely not for food or if you want good service. Every visit they got our order wrong. Ham instead of cheese (don't eat ham!) White instead of brown. Even overcharged. Missing items and inconsistent between visits. The last visit the person said I got the other person to serve you as remember keep getting wrong for you.. so why not check the order before it goes out to be sure? £8.50 for mediocre small dry sandwich which comes with small amount of lettuce and cucumber. Very overpriced for what you actually get and could get from next door at the coop in comparison. I'd give benefit of doubt on wrong orders if it was actually busy but more staff than customers. How can you get the...