Caffè Nero — Restaurant in London

I was shocked and disappointed when my husband and I went to our local Cafe Nero in Barnes High Street. We have been going to Cafe Nero since it opened, and love the coffee, the friendly atmosphere and the quality of the pastries. Today however was very upsetting. I ordered an almond croissant which was tough and stale! Yesterday's bake? No said the manageress, it's fresh today, and it's not my fault. I hardly said it was but said I couldn't eat it. Please could I have a refund. I won't go into all the details, as it is still a most unpleasant taste in my mouth, but all I can say is that the woman's behaviour was extraordinary: she was rude, unkind, and even said that she knew all about customer service as she'd done it for years. Yes, I got my refund, for a freshly baked croissant, she said, as though I don't know the difference! She refused to tell me her name, perhaps because this isn't the first time that customers have noted her aggressive defensive behaviour. Her final unnecessary comment was to sarcastically say "Have a lovely day" as we left. I am amazed that you allowed such an unpleasant person to manage and be the public face of Nero in a relaxed happy suburbs like Barnes. We come in to Nero for good coffee but also the usually charming service. Even if the woman was having a bad day, it is utterly unprofessional to offload onto customers. I will not tell you the best course of action, however she has let you down and her otherwise pleasant...

The place to come before there were any really good Café alternatives in Barnes. Nonetheless, still a cosy space to have a chat, read a book/newspaper, or work on your laptop (free WiFi). The mood is relaxed and utilitarian with a high-turnover of staff, which are usually very friendly. The coffee is average, yet may well put hairs on your chest, or give you gecko-like powers. Good for an Espresso, or a cup of tea. Pastries tend to be bland, similar to the ones in all the local supermarkets, so nothing special here. A good meeting place, with tiny outdoor areas front and back, if you want a bit of fresh air, or a smoke. Whilst many Cafés in the area have come and gone over the decades, Café Nero still reigns. If you like then please 👍 .

"Never eat more than...

Another CN that looks a bit shabby since re-opening after Covid. There's an air that it's about to be "de-mobilised" soon (just one member of staff on duty, chairs and tables stacked up in a corner, limited items on view) but it might be just the way management prefers to run it in these uncertain times. The barista was efficient and the drink was very good... It's just that the atmosphere, the buzz, associated with CN, seems...