Depot Cinema and Restaurant — Restaurant in Lewes

Firstly I would like to make it clear, that we love The Depot cinema, the staff on the booking desk and the volunteers that over see your entry to the screen are helpful, professional and charming . The cinema itself is clean, comfortable, friendly and competitively priced.

However this review, following our trip to watch Paddington @ 3pm today, is solely related to the hospitality part of the business.

Last year, after too many over priced and underwhelming meals, with appalling service. We took our pre/post cinema dinner custom elsewhere. But opted not to leave negative feedback.

Today we arrived 15 minutes early and decided to purchase two hot drinks to take into the screening.

From the placing of the order, with a very brittle, uninterested woman, who did a remarkable job of efficiently removing the “service” from “customer service”, to actually receiving our hot drinks at the other end of the bar was 15 minutes. There were 3 of us in the drinks queue.

Waiting by the coffee machine it was evident that the baristor was completely out of his depth. His flustered, erratic, muddled, rude manner was appalling. Culminating in abusive verbal interactions with customers.

My order was for two oat latte (my wife has a severe lactose intolerance). I observed him making a latte with cows milk, he then handed it to me. I questioned him, reminding him my order was for oat milk, his response…..he asserted it was indeed oat milk!!!!! A complete lie, I had watched him pour the cows milk into the jug (assuming it wasn’t my order). I reiterated that it wasn’t oat milk and I had watched him use cows milk. At which point he was extremely offhand and verbally rude.

As the coffee order had taken 15 minutes to make, the film was starting, so I didn’t have change to escalate this intolerable lack of service but more importantly his complete lack of customer care, in lying about the milk used.

People use plant based milks for a plethora of reasons, from taste preference to perceived health benefits, to (like my wife) acute intolerance to lactose since childhood. The potential consequence of his lies could have posed serious health risks, if he had not been challenged.

Please can you implement immediate training, not just in customer service, but also in the far more serious issues of allergies and allergens within catering/hospitality. As training in this is a mandatory requirement, it does pose the question had the necessary training procedures being followed???

Needless to say we will no longer be using The Depot for any form of beverage purchase.

I am More than happy to discuss...

I have visited the depot previously, and have always had a pleasant experience however the treatment I received from a member of staff today left me with a decidedly sour taste in my mouth.

I made an order and specifically requested well done eggs - when my order arrived the eggs were runny so I asked for them to be cooked as requested and continued to consume the rest of my order as slowly as I could. After some time I returned to my server named Kate, who had initially been very helpful with the recommendation, to ask where the new eggs were as I had nearly finished my meal, and why they weren't cooked as I had requested in the first place. Although she admitted that she had forgotten to make my request - she did not offer any apology, or even a complimentary drink for the inconvenience, so I asked if I could have a peppermint tea on the house as I received my eggs at the end of my meal. Later when I returned to the bar to ask for my complimentary drink - I had decided to have an elderflower water instead as it was hot, she flatly refused and said, amongst other things: "No - you asked for a peppermint mint and that's what you'll get" - I was so taken aback at how aggressively disrespectful her tone and manner were, I complained to the manager Molly. Molly was extremely polite and apologised for the way Kate had spoken to me explaining that it wasn't up to Kate to make the decision to change my drink, I can empathise, however there is NO EXCUSE for a member of staff to address a customer in the way that I was spoken to. Kate was spectacularly disrespectful, rude, aggressive and needs serious training in customer service. I can forgive the fact that she made a mistake but at no point did she ever apologise and then added insult to injury, literally. I would hope that the duty manager has taken her aside to explain how to address customers, but I seriously doubt there were any consequences to her actions, as she never made even the slightest attempt to apologise or was even asked to. Exceptionally poor. The food and the venue are great but staff like that do nothing to enhance the reputation. It was such a horrible experience I will be telling everyone I know to avoid that particular server...

If you're looking for a cinematic oasis nestled in the heart of the city, Depot is your haven. This refurbished space is more than just a cinema – it's an experience. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in a world of independent and foreign films, thoughtfully curated to ignite your imagination and expand your cinematic horizons.

The ambiance is as inviting as it is chic. The café exudes a cozy charm, offering a delightful array of snacks and beverages to enjoy before or after the screening. Whether you're craving a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a decadent pastry, the café's menu has something to satisfy every palate.

Venture into the courtyard, and you'll discover a tranquil escape from the bustle of city life. With its lush greenery and serene atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to unwind and discuss the film you've just experienced or simply soak in the ambiance.

But Depot isn't just about films – it's also a celebration of art in all its forms. The art gallery showcases a rotating selection of works from local and international artists, adding another layer of cultural richness to your visit.

What truly sets Depot apart is its commitment to showcasing films that might otherwise go unnoticed. Here, you'll find a diverse lineup of movies that challenge, inspire, and provoke thought. Whether you're a cinephile seeking out the latest indie gems or simply looking for a unique night out, Depot has something to offer.

In a world dominated by mainstream cinema, Depot stands as a beacon of creativity and diversity. It's more than just a cinema – it's a community, a cultural hub, and a testament to the power of film to connect us all. Whether you're a seasoned film buff or a casual moviegoer, a visit to Depot is an experience you won't...