Caliendo’s Gelato - desserts — Restaurant in London

Owner rude to my wife. My wife wanted a bowl with two flavours one flavour and another. Owner gave her a bowl with one flavour. My wife has a newborn so she is tired and focused on the baby grabbed the bowl and paid and sat to eat. Owner rudely approached her and told her off and didn't even know what she had done wrong. To which my wife said what do you want me to do?

Obviously there was a miscommunication as the owner separated the two flavours into two different bowls. But the way in which she approached my wife made her feel like she is trying to steal. Sorry, but thieves don't sit in the place they are trying to steal from.

All this could have been avoided had the owner just explained the misunderstanding instead of being confrontational and rude. It's a shame as this was our favourite ice cream, but we won't be spending money here. Can tell from the reviews that there is a pattern here in being rude to customers. Avoid.

Edit response to owner: Thanks for your elaborate response, though I must say, it's a masterclass in avoiding accountability. Your effort to dissect the CCTV footage is impressive, but let's cut to the chase here – my wife left your establishment feeling upset and wrongly treated. While you're quick to emphasize that Fiona didn't technically accuse her of theft, the vibe she picked up from that exchange was enough to make her feel that way.

You seem hell-bent on breaking down the interaction into mere seconds, as if duration equates to insignificance. But you should know that it's not just about the seconds – it's about how those seconds were spent. It's about the condescending tone, the unnecessary hostility, and the failure to acknowledge the customer's perspective. Your assertion that the shop was busy is not an excuse for poor customer service; if anything, it's more reason to ensure that every interaction is respectful and pleasant.

I get it, negative reviews sting, especially when you're used to basking in five-star glory. However, my review wasn't meant to be an attack on your entire operation, but a candid expression of how my wife was treated. Your defensive reaction and the attempts to redirect blame are disappointing, to say the least.

As for dredging up another unrelated review, that's a classic deflection tactic. Let's focus on the issue at hand – your ice cream shop. Each situation should be judged on its own merits. I'm not interested in resurrecting the past; I'm interested in highlighting an experience that could have been handled better.

In the end, this isn't about dissecting seconds or nitpicking word choice – it's about treating customers respectfully. I believe in open dialogue, but it's also important to own up to shortcomings. Your business might have a multitude of positive reviews, but that doesn't exempt it from negative feedback. If you truly care about your customers, you'd take this as an opportunity to improve, rather than going on the defensive.

Thanks for your response, however evasive it might be. I hope this exchange at least serves as a reminder that even a seemingly short interaction can have a...

An Arrogant Attitude and a Nonsensical Rule Ruined It!

I’ve been a loyal and regular customer of this ice cream shop for quite some time, often buying their medium tub at £18 — a size that lets you mix up to three flavours. Just last month alone, I spent over £80 here. But today’s experience was frankly outrageous and left me stunned at how little they value their regular customers.

To my astonishment, I was told I couldn't have the entire tub in just one flavour. I’ve usually chosen two flavours, and the sign says “three flavours” — not that you must choose three! There’s absolutely no notice or explanation anywhere stating that selecting one single flavour is not allowed.

When I politely asked why I couldn’t have just one flavour, I was told it was a ‘rule’ to be fair to other customers. Frankly, this makes no sense. I wasn’t asking for extra scoops or a discount — just one flavour in my tub. Suggesting that a paying customer might somehow ‘take away’ ice cream from others by choosing a single flavour is illogical. If two customers each chose the same flavour, would that be unfair too?

To make things even more ridiculous, they justified the ‘rule’ by telling me, “In Italy, they’re even more strict with this!” — as though that settled the matter. I had to remind her: “We’re in England, not Italy.”

What made matters worse was being told that if I really wanted just one flavour, I’d have to buy two smaller tubs at £12 each — essentially forcing me to pay more for the same product. That felt like a tactic to upsell under the guise of a nonsensical rule. After a frustrating back-and-forth, I was told that ‘as a regular customer’ they would ‘bend the rule’ for me — for once! — as though I should feel grateful to be allowed to spend my own money the way I choose. I found the tone patronising and the policy completely unjustified. I decided to leave and walked just a few minutes up Kentish Town Road to another local ice cream shop (Creams), where they had absolutely no issue giving me what I wanted, in the container size I asked for.

Sadly, this shop has now lost a long-term, regular customer over an uncommunicated, illogical policy — and worse, the dismissive, arrogant way they handled it. It’s a shame — but they clearly value arbitrary ‘rules’ over common sense and loyal custom.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SHOP. After what happened today, I’ve also shared my experience with all the residents in my block.

And let’s be clear — they’re not the only ice cream shop on Kentish Town Road or in the local area. Arrogance takes business nowhere.

(Update: As seen in their response below — condescending, rigid, and rude. Exactly what...

🍦⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Indulgence meets authenticity at this delightful ice cream parlor! From the very first creamy bite, it's evident that they take quality seriously. The use of organic milk as a base for their gelato.

Their commitment to keeping things real shines through – no additives that mean you're savoring genuine flavours. Every scoop is a trip down memory lane, embracing those classic tastes we adore but they also are experimenting with new and at time groundbreaking flavours. If you are a foodie you will love it. Flavours change all the time and leaving around the corner I can never get bored of the choice on offer, they are surprising me every time.

What truly sets this place apart is their inclusivity. Catering to various dietary needs, they offer gluten-free and lactose-intolerant options without compromising on taste. It's a true haven for ice cream enthusiasts of all kinds.

The dedication of the team behind these frozen delights is evident in every detail. From the comforting nostalgia of traditional flavors to the careful consideration of dietary requirements and new and original flavour this parlor is a true gem. If you're seeking an ice cream experience that's both delectable and mindful, look no further. It's a scoop of happiness in...