The Usual Place — Restaurant in Great Britain

Beautiful building, amazing purpose

But, and this is a big BUT... one of the ladies who was in charge really does not know how to talk to customers. It was bordering on the rude.

We had reserved a table for 10am. We duly arrived waiting to be seen to our table when we saw one of our party already sitting. We told 'Alison' we could see our table as our friend was already in.

She proceeded to tell us in great detail why we could only have our table till 11 because a large Christmas lunch party was arriving at 12 and they needed a full hour to get everything ready.

We replied OK, no problem, we probably won't be quite that long anyway but we will keep an eye on the time.

At which she started to repeat the whole story again....

...and again

... and again

... and again

After about the 7th or 8th time we were told about the time limitation and all the work Alison was going to have to organise we both quietly said 'yes, we understand we have to be out by 11'.

Which prompted yet another stern reminder that we had to be out by 11 because of the large Christmas lunch, etc, etc,

Eventually we persuaded Alison that we really did understand (the fact that we understood perfectly the first time seemed completely lost on her) and managed to get to the table after what felt like at least 10m of being lectured to... 10m that ate into our 60m window.

When our last person arrived at the table Alison decided that we could not be trusted to make sure all 4 of us would leave on time so proceeded to tell our other friend the exact same story... twice!!

That was another few minutes eaten out our precious 60m...

WE UNDERSTOOD THE FIRST TIME!!

Everybody else was lovely, polite and accommodating, some learning their jobs, some familiar faces.

Shame they still don't have proper coffee machines or oat milk, but I can live with a peppermint tea.

I would say definitely go, it is a beautiful place with the most wonderful mission... just avoid the busy Christmas lunches.

Not sure I will be back for a while.

And if you are wondering if we got out in time, we left at 10:56... 4m to spare. Cutting it very close to a...

Last night I read a really sad post that this wonderful haven was facing closure or at least a dimise. I travelled 90 (X2,) miles to come and support this beautiful set up. I took the last table in the house . Now, for the nay sayers of funders , you're not only failing beautiful young souls , but people like me , that are vulnerable and lonely. I don't speak to anyone for months . I had the most beautiful experience today . Anna , Harry and Chris and a lovely lass that served my food ( sorry I was overwhelmed with the ceiling) . This place cannot have their funding cut. I will do all I can to prevent it. It's a very safe place , for someone that has lived in fear this provided a few hours , I'm safe now! Grant givers , you are very lucky not to know that feeling. I am a firecely independent soul , but I beg you , you must find someway to continue this really safe and happy place to continue. The staff where lovely , I spoke to people more in 2 hours than since I was in hospital in December. This is a life line , please don't cut...

First time in the building and I'm greeted by a friendly server and was very happy to help me to my table, after being seated I was given a menu and ask to go to the till to order what I would like. After choosing from the morning menu, which was small but plenty to choose from and I ordered a cake and drink the Lady's at the till where very helpful and very sweet and happily took my order, as I waited for my cake and drink I admired the hall and the sunning stain glass windows around me, as my order arrived both servers where very polite and kind to me and said enjoy your treats and left me to it.

I will be coming back more often as the service was spot on and everyone was very sweet and kind here and is very resolutely...