Esposito's Mill Dam Park — Restaurant in Knowsley

Updated 24/04/25 It's been back open a good few months now. The biggest difference is the service and staff. The new manager is a great fella. Remembers regulars and even their orders.

When it's busy, the staff appeared comfortable and not in a chaotic panic. Real cups are back. The kids love the ice-cream machine but you can't beat the real scoop ice-cream they do. Kids hot chocolate is a winner and the doorstop toast is Amazing!! Even the dogs love their ice-cream pupachinos. Great work on the changes. 👍 Original review. Added more details to my review at the request of Esposito's.

We've been using Esposito's since it opened and have been extremely pleased historically. It was a fantastic addition to Kirkby and helps with the local community. I normally visit many times throughout the week and we'd enjoy a family treat at the weekend with the dogs.

Staff were previously great, we don't have a full on conversation but just a nice welcome and small talk. It was refreshing to have a good coffee and snack in a real cup and on a plate instead wasteful, less green disposable cups and wrappers.

However, over the course of the last 2 months, we've noticed a significant downturn. The level of service has deteriorated with the new staff. When you badge yourself as part of the community, you have to live and breathe it, otherwise people see through and lose trust in your brand. People come here to enjoy a friendly welcome and atmosphere. A break from home, otherwise why not just stay in, put the kettle on and make some toast ourselves.

The welcome has gone, the small talk has gone, even knowledge of what you're planning has gone. Example, you're selling raffle tickets. When asked what for and if you're hosting anything, we get "don't know!".

It does not help when people are waiting long times for their orders also. Service was previously rapid. Now we've got a good 10min wait at best. This weekend was no exception. Many people were waiting, one actually left without ordering.

These are just my personal views obviously, take them with a pinch of salt - what do I know. I'm just a local who wants you to continue to succeed, as I'm a regular. It's the small things that make a huge difference, some may even say 1st world problems, but it's these types of issues that could have people decide to go elsewhere for their coffee and food.

As you'll see from my profile, I don't often leave negative reviews. I've held off leaving a negative review for a while as I hoped it was a blip. I hope you don't take it for granted and let it deteriorate any...

Couldn't fault this place until today when I was told I need to keep my dog quiet. Sorry but she doesn't have an on/off switch due to her being a real dog. Funny how we're told to keep her quiet yet others aren't told to put theirs on lead. Needless to say I'll be thinking twice before going in here again especially when the same members of staff...

This café has become our go-to spot with my mum and pup. The vibe is so welcoming, and the staff make every visit feel special. Harry, the manager, really stands out — always cheerful, chatty, and ready to help with any request. Rain or shine, it’s a cozy place that makes you want to linger and enjoy...