The Habit Cafe Bar — Restaurant in Great Britain

I was left upset and embarrassed by the way I was treated in September over my allergy. I asked the staff (after being ignored and waiting around for a while while they chatted amongst themselves) if they had gluten free options. The staff (a young female and a couple of males sitting at the table next to the bar) started laughing and joking as if I was being ridiculous?

Appalling. I have an allergy to gluten. I would have never acted in such a manner when I worked at a cafe. It left me embarrassed and upset.

It is a shame as I used to go there and find it fairly welcoming last year (before my allergy developed) Things have changed.

Edit/reply: I cannot remember the exact date but I can find this out if necessary. I took until now to reply because I often ignore negative experiences but I had a similar experience recently which made me feel very strongly about this kind of behaviour. I often face difficulties with eating out but not so much compete disrespect. My boyfriend was there too and we both found it incredibly rude.

I didnt want to not voice this experience because as you say it is not acceptable and dangerous. I too have worked in hospitality and was trained to deal with allergies and would never dream of acting this way even to the rudest of customers.

I remember distinctly a brown haired young girl in her early 20s and two or three men, one with a beard sitting on the table next to the bar. The reason I say "staff" is that they all seemed to simultaneously break out in laughter and respond to mine and my boyfriends question saying what is essentially 'no' in a drawn out and ridiculous manner. Once again I'd usually ignore experienced like this but it's actually something I and people in my family have to live with and so I would be doing myself and others a disservice by NOT saying this which still to this day has left me feeling disheartened.

I used to really like the Habit and there were some really pleasant staff last year. I would frequent often and it was always a nice and easy experience. I was even given gluten free bread. However as you know gluten allergy is extremely difficult because of cross contamination. My boyfriend asked the staff member this exact question "are your chips fried in gluten free oil, is there separate oil you can use?" That was the trigger to the flamboyant response.

And I can say without a doubt this is not 'friendly banter.' As you said.. This was rude and embarrassing. And It lost you guys a loyal customer. This is not banter...if your staff are struggling with boundaries or gauging their customers then perhaps that is something to be spoken about

I am not interested in coming in or causing any more difficulty because I've just decided not to visit again. I do not wish to pursue this further because I will simy just not be dealing with this again. This information is to help prevent this situation happening to another person.

Utimately this is a terrible way to treat people and I understand this review is late and that hinders identifying the person in question. If I find out the date which should be possible then I will edit this and post it.

I understand a negative review is unwanted but I feel very strongly about treating people like this over an allergy. And if you actually did have gluten free cross contamination protocol than unfortunately your staff did not mention that..

Most likely 8th or 9th of sept around ...

Unfortunately the best thing about this place is the roof terrace.

We visited during the Easter break, mid week. One chef and one person to take your order, do drinks, serve food, clear tables, take payment… VERY bad management! Definitely one more person needed.

Unfortunately the food was terrible. Possibly the worst smashed avocado and poached eggs I’ve ever had. I would guess half an avocado between two of us. Spread like thin butter, on what was meant to be toast but actually was just soggy bread which has maybe seen the toaster but not been in? The eggs were at least cooked very well.

I have to lay blame squarely at management who should be ashamed of themselves, leaving 2 kids in charge to run the place and not provide adequate support.

Would definitely NOT recommend and honestly do not understand how this place is being 4 stars. I would question the...

I love this place. Its angles, and steps and nooks and reflections - all of it. It's a memory of a place and a time I'm glad that I remember and I'm glad existed. A time when towns had quirky bars like this that were both friendly and yet magically allowed you to feel anonymous at the same time. When food and beer were just that and didn't have to have extra, fashionable adjectives attached. A lovely place with all manner of seating for all manner folks in the cafe / bar vibe downstairs and the more relaxed eating or party feel upstairs (depending on the time of day). They even have a roof terrace. I wish this was my local. I wish more corners held beautiful nuggets like this. Definite hoopy froods. Plus, they were so nice to my better 3/4ths who didn't fancy anything of the Christmasy menu and jut made her a butty, which totally...