Canbury Secret Cafe — Restaurant in London

Disappointed by the experience, despite the potential. This was my first weekend at this lovely community garden, and I was really looking forward to supporting local independent businesses. I usually prefer them over big chains because of the service, the human touch, and the sense of community they offer. Unfortunately, this café failed to deliver any of that.

What appeared to be the manager spent most of the time on her phone or bossing the staff around — particularly one young woman who, on both days, seemed to be doing her best under pressure. On Saturday, she was making coffees and asking for some support, or at least help with taking names due to the high volume and confusion with similar drinks. Today, she was on till duty, and I felt genuinely uncomfortable witnessing her being scolded loudly while she was taking my order. Her eyes were visibly teary, and as a customer, I felt disrespected too — you can’t interrupt service just to speak rudely to a team member in front of guests.

I also ordered a pain aux raisin that was still frozen inside. When I mentioned it, the manager gave me a sharp look as if I was exaggerating or lying, while the same young woman kindly tried to offer me an alternative.

I would have liked to share some constructive feedback directly, but I felt the only thing I could do in that moment was to show support to the staff member who clearly needed it.

Unfortunately, I won’t be coming back. It’s a real shame — the café has potential, but what’s missing is a culture of respect, both towards customers and, more importantly, the staff who are doing...

Recently under new management, supplying the same brand of coffee and quite a lot of the delicious cakes and pastries...BUT...I always used to get a small black Americano there, which came hot and strong. Since being under new management, the price went up to £3.20...nearly 20% more than vendors nearby. When I then said, "oh sorry, I wanted a small black Americano I was told they only did one size (which was 12oz). I begrudgingly paid the inflated price (since my normal place was closed on that day anyway), and sat down to drink my coffee. I am convinced there was only one shot in, as it was weak. Carraro Blend is normally very rich and coffee-glavpured (rather than just being able to taste "the roast", but this was watery and could have been any brand!

On the plus saude, it has saved me £3.20 a week...but negatively means I won't be getting an accompanying tasty...

Canbury Gardens will always be a special place for me, I used to cycle with some friends to fish along the tow path when I was 12 to 16 years old. That was over 50 years ago, I can still go to a spot where I used to fish that has not changed in that time 'magical'. Time used to stand still, and we had few cares or worries in those days.Because the power station, now flats, used to issue hot water from an outlet, fish were numerous and bred in their thousands. Everybody got on well , the water users, the fishermen, and the trees used to rustle and whisper while the water flowed by ,sometimes fast, sometimes slow,sometimes like glass other times rough and windy,you would never tire of the constant change, A little spot of country in town. You can still walk on,jog,cycle,and imagine those powerful horses pulling their cargo...