Claire's Cabin, Café & Smokehouse — Restaurant in Maldon

We had an amazing meal last week, their smoked platter is always my favourite they had live music which was phenomenal, and this has alway been a go to, however when we paid there was a problem with the card machine and it showed as payment not taken even though I could show it had left my account and completed.... as we always have amazing service we offered to re-pay for the meal and return for a refund on the Monday, something we didn't need to offer but could see the owner was a little stressed and we didn't want to ruin our lovely day.... now at a bill of £95 this wasn't an easy choice and we were just lucky it was pay day day before so we did have the availability.

However we were never thanked for this, infact we felt we were treated like we were not gonna pay and even when I could prove it had left account the Sunday/Monday it was met with well I don't have it so can't refund. It did turn out it was an error on card machine company's end and I popped in to apologises if my messages had been rude but obviously I was getting upset as £95 is a lot of money to loose

And I NEVER got an apology, I have worked in customer service and would have thought a simple 'I'm so sorry I've never had this happen before I'm glad we sorted it' wasn't too much to expect, but no apology just lots of they are refunding not me (which I had already said was fine and glad we sorted it)

Unfortunately this treatment has meant I won't return and wouldn't recommend. I get these happen but an apology and more understanding goes a long way, we didn't have to pay the bill a 2nd time we did that to help, and I definitely wouldn't...

I have never been to Toms Farm Shop before and had an hour & half journey there to the halloween event. My 6 year old daughter was busting for the toilet so we were looking for the closest one and came across Claires Cabin cafe so we rushed in quickly as she was close to wetting herself! On my way out of the toilet, I was approached by one of the members of staff there (A woman) who asked me if I was eating I apologised and explained my daughter was busting for the toilet so had to find the nearest one quickly. Her reply was in a very rude tone ‘There are toilets on the field where the event is’ As I walked away, my friend who I was with saw her roll her eyes at her colleague behind my back. I think this is so wrong as my daughter is only young and can’t be expected to hold her toilet! I don’t see what the issue is to be honest. This experience has made me not want to eat there. Think she needs to learn some customer...

On the 9th August we organised a wake for my dear lovely Dad. He would visit the cafe over the years with his 'sunshine boys'. A fabulous group of Essex guys, some local to Gt Totham, that would take time out in their later years and stop by Toms farm shop for a coffee or two. It was a no brainer, this was the chosen venue for our Dad's departing celebration of his life. We cannot say a big enough thank you to Claire and her amazing team. From the glorious smoked salmon quiche, smoked mackerel and fabulous crab crostini, the food was much loved by all. Claire is a beautiful soul, nothing too much trouble with a sentiment and passion that is hard to find in the hospitality industry. Thank you Claire for being truly special on this very sad occasion. Jo...