Fratelli's Docklands — Restaurant in London

This past Monday, I experienced something I never expected in a modern, welcoming city like London — something that reminded me of the cold, rigid attitudes from the Soviet times I grew up in.

Over the weekend, my childhood friend visited me from Lithuania with his two young sons. We spent three full days exploring the city, making memories and showing them the best of London. On Monday afternoon, we decided to enjoy the river cruise and the Emirates cable car. Afterwards, we took the DLR from Royal Victoria with plans to head to the airport.

As we arrived at Royal Victoria, my friend’s 7-year-old son urgently needed the toilet. Although this is a tourist-heavy area, surprisingly, there are no visible public restrooms nearby. I approached Fratelli Café politely, hoping they might allow a small child to use the toilet — something we’ve never had a problem with in any other country.

Unfortunately, the man behind the counter refused, stating that toilets are for customers only. It didn’t matter that it was a child in need — the rule was non-negotiable. I was genuinely shocked and deeply embarrassed in front of my guest. This lack of basic compassion left us stunned. We’ve travelled extensively and never encountered such inhumanity before.

Thankfully, a kind woman nearby pointed us in the direction of another place, but the damage was already done. The rest of our day felt soured by this unpleasant incident.

In my opinion, people working in public-facing roles should have a basic sense of empathy and understanding — especially when it comes to children. The interaction left me feeling disheartened, and I hope the staff at Fratelli’s reflect on how a little kindness can go a long way.

This is my first bad...

Date of visit : 26.09.21. Time: 16:15.

I don't usually write reviews but today's experience has compelled me to do so. My wife left this cafe today feeling very upset. Two waitresses were serving. One shorter,one taller. The taller one was extremely rude and aggressive. My wife sensed the hostility as soon as she walked in. Maybe it was because my wife is a muslim and was wearing a head covering. Can't understand why other than that as she was fine with customers after my wife. She slammed the card machine down aggressively without saying a word because my wife asked if she could add something to her order. Only talked to her when the shorter waitress was nearby, otherwise ignored her when my wife asked the price of something and sighed/huffed while preparing the drinks. Awful service and a bad end to an otherwise nice day. I can see in the other reviews that another asian man has commented about a rude waitress, maybe it's the same one and the manager needs to do something about this behaviour or at least talk to staff / give training about respecting people from backgrounds different to their own. Have never experienced such rude and racist behaviour like this in London before. Shocking behaviour. Do not...

I wouldn't even give this place 1 star. By far the WORST service and coffee I've ever had. I went to fratelli for the first time early last year and from the experience I had then I promised I wouldn't go back. I thought today I would give them another go, WORST MISTAKE! I asked for an extra hot skinny latte, and automatically the lady charged me for a medium without even asking what size I wanted. Then once I get my coffee, it's not extra hot but warm and half the cup is full of froth. I told the lady who served me most of it is froth and she says cappuccino has more froth, even when I asked specifically for a latte! She then gets the milk jug and rudely asks if I want more milk. I said yes please, being polite, and she pours in like a tablespoon more milk! What's the point. The last time I had a coffee from here the milk tasted odd and guess what, it still does! Maybe because they keep it out instead of in the fridge? If they were busy then it's understandable to keep the milk out. But this small little cafe wasn't busy at all. I'm absolutely furious with their attitude, service and the coffee tastes weak, milk tastes off, the overall coffee experience is abysmal....