The Grand Piano Cafe — Restaurant in Huntingdonshire

Disappointing Experience with Unacceptable Service

I typically don't leave reviews unless something stands out, but after my recent visit to this café, I feel compelled to share my experience, particularly for anyone with food allergies who may be considering a visit here.

Upon arrival, the café appeared to be quiet with only a few other tables occupied, yet the manager or cook (it was unclear which role she held) was incredibly dismissive when we asked about potential allergens in the food. We had specifically asked about ingredients due to allergies, and rather than offering to check, she immediately responded with, "I don’t have time to look, it’s probably fine." This lack of concern for food safety is unacceptable, especially when it comes to allergies that can be life-threatening. It was clear she had no understanding of the seriousness of such matters.

My mum had ordered the ham and egg salad, which was supposed to come with a boiled egg, as per the menu. However, when it arrived, it had a poached egg instead. When we questioned this, the response was not only rude but completely dismissive. The manager claimed that it was the "same thing" — it’s not. After a visibly annoyed sigh, she reluctantly took the dish back and replaced the egg with a boiled one. By the time her meal was served, everyone else at the table had finished eating, which only added to our frustration.

We were also made to feel like a burden when we simply asked for basic things like a glass of water. At one point, the manager told us that we should have let her know about our allergies at the time of booking. However, we had made our dietary needs clear upon arrival, so this was an unfair accusation. The atmosphere became uncomfortable, and it was obvious we were no longer welcome.

When we went to pay and attempted to give some feedback about our experience, the same manager erupted into a shouting match, blaming us for being rude and for not letting her know about our children's allergies earlier (even though we had). This was not a heated discussion, but an outright hostile confrontation.

As for the food quality, while it was edible, it was very clear that the ingredients were of the lowest quality, almost as though they were sourced cheaply. Nothing stood out as fresh or flavorful. The meal, in general, felt like an afterthought.

In fairness, I must say the young waitress was incredibly polite and helpful, which was a bright spot in an otherwise unpleasant experience. However, the behavior and attitude of the manager/cook overshadowed everything else.

If you have food allergies or are simply looking for a welcoming and professional dining experience, I would strongly advise avoiding this place. The staff's lack of concern for safety, combined with the poor food quality and rude attitude, made this one of the worst café...

First of all I’d like to address the standard of food here they use the cheapest of the cheap meat is full of fat and gristle secondly let’s address the cleanliness of the place it shouldn’t have a licence to trade in food the hygiene is shocking thirdly let’s address the staff the main women who thinks it’s acceptable to treat young members of staff still in school who are trying there first job out like absolute garbage and poo on her feet basically gets children to work weekends to pay them £5 a hour to then treat them like dog poo it’s disgusting these young people are trying out there first job it’s a massive step in there lives and you Donna think it’s acceptable to treat them that bad that they cry while on shift and then leave and think this is how jobs in the future are going to be you should be ashamed of yourself I hope you never get another employee want to work for you you don’t deserve them...

I rode up on my motorbike from London this morning and happened upon this lovely cafe.. 'The Grand Piano'.. I was welcomed in and ask to sit anywhere I liked.. The 2 young waiters were very helpful and polite.. The inside of the restaurant has a great theme from the grand piano to the black and white decor.. very homely.. I ordered up a full breakfast and it was well presented and very tasty.. I overheard the way the owner dealt with a missed phone call. Instead of telling staff off which is quite commonplace, she explained that the phone us the lifeblood of the business and dialled 1471 where she got a booking for 5 people that lunch time... How professional and refreshing this attitude is. I would thoroughly recommend trying out this Cafe and share the experience.. They have only been here since July.. Good luck and hope you succeed!! Graham....