Cafe Mauds — Restaurant in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

I don’t normally review but you must read this!

We arrived as party of 6 and staff quickly made arrangements and had us seated within 10 minutes. As usual the place was bustling and staff were busy. As always staff were friendly and accommodating and we placed our order. I did notice the meals took slightly longer but I don’t see why people are so annoyed. Take a few moments to look over the landscape, sea and mountains through the curved windows. Our meals arrived and they were fantastic. Nothing left on any of the plates. While we finished our meal I noticed the manager dealing with a table of 6 across from my line of sight.

The older lady in the group who kept her sunglasses on throughout her stay was one of the most ignorant and impatient people I have ever came across. The manager must have apologised on at least 5 occasions explaining that 2 staff had been unwell and it was to short notice to get any other workers to cover the shifts. I watched as the manager smiled and agreed the service was slower than usual and asked could she get them teas coffees or a dessert for their inconvenience. These offers were received without a second thought. Unfortunately the lady, I use the term loosely, in the sunglasses then threatened the manager again that she would make sure that she wrote a stinking review.

Prior to leaving I spoke to the manager and thanked her for a fantastic meal and remarked how I was impressed by the way she conducted herself with such an arrogant, ignorant client.

It’s not hard to be nice, if you want a great value meal with amazing views you really can’t get much...

Quite simply the worst place in Newcastle for service. We all know Mauds ice cream is tasty, but this Mauds cafe obviously think they don't need to actually do anything else well because of the ice cream.

The kids received their ice creams but nothing else arrived that been ordered. The order had been 'lost'. This is after standing at the till for 5 minutes waiting to place an order whilst the incompetent staff sat and chatted or cleaned around without even acknowledging my presence.There is no queuing system that is clear resulting in people being served out of turn or spoken to rudely about whether they are in the queue.

Whilst waiting for our order, at least two other tables of customers had to ask where their orders where with half of their tables orders received and the other half still waiting. The staff obviously have no concept of delivering all the food to a table together.

We eventually asked for our money back and didn't even receive an apology after waiting 30 minutes for nothing.

The staff are badly trained and there are no working processes in place to get customers their orders, service is haphazard, poor and the cafe is dirty with filthy toilets.

Not the first time in this place we've received and observed bad service, but decided it is time others knew how awful this place is. Which is a shame because their ice cream is quite nice and we would regularly go to Mauds Cafe in Ballyhackamore where service is great.

This place does not deserve the prime location...

As a motorhome owner and a frequent traveller we rely on recommendations and reviews. (And currently working in hospitality and catering) So I feel it is necessary to leave this review.

Today, (in their defence ) on the 22nd of June- The air show was taking place so it was busy but not unmanageable. However, the server did know know what was in a vegetarian breakfast to begin with- which was odd. At the till a different server was rude enough and didn’t make eye contact. I had to ask them to restock the knives and forks. We were given cold water for our two teas- and when we went to ask for hot water was told that it came from the machine directly and “are you sure it’s not cold because you are sitting outside”. I know when I’m drinking cold water, and I know when i am drinking hot water, why argue? The food arrived and thrown at us, not even placed in front of us- and it was just alright nothing too hard to get wrong. No please or thank you with their service- incredibly rude.

To top things off- they basically got rid of two huge tables of people beside us that just finished their food by asking them to leave in an extremely impolite way. Making new customers stand beside them waiting until they got up and left... Which is awkward and uncomfortable.

Food was lifted right off my table when I wasn’t even done. Basically shown the door for more customers.

Wouldn’t be back. I love Mauds, it’s never failed me in any other city or town... but wouldn’t think of returning...