The Chilli Bean — Restaurant in North West Leicestershire

This place seems to have lost it's way since it opened. We went today and the drive is riddled with deep pot holes which doesn't make for a good start. We went into the entrance of the Cafe which was crowded and disorganised. There was a group waiting to be shown through, a queue waiting to place orders and people waiting for their takeaway drinks. You couldn't tell who was who, where the queue was and the area is evidently too small. There is no signage or greeter to let you know the format (do you have to be shown to a table, or find your own. Is it table service etc). We got a table but there were no menus - back into the crowded reception to find them. Once we had made our choices- it was back into the crowded reception to order. I placed my order which was painful as the young lady on the till was new and struggling and was unsupervised. She kept shouting for advice from the equally young Barista who was stressed trying to keep up with demand. I waited for my drinks, but wasn't told they were brought to the table.

We waited for our food and the two servings of chips were brought to the table, but no pizzas. Fifteen minutes after this a lady came to the table to tell me there was no beef so I had to pick another pizza topping - the only other meat was Pepperoni. 20 minutes later the pizzas came so the chips were now 35 minutes cold. When I pointed this out they said they would not change them but would 'make a note of it'.

There were quite a few tables complaining of either the wait for food, or incorrect orders. The pizza bases were nice, the vegetarian pizza was nice. The Pepperoni pizza only had 6 slices of Pepperoni on? The chips were nice (but obviously cold).

£40 for two pizzas, 2 chips, 2 coffee and a water is a bit steep. Put this together with the disorganisation, and bad service and it makes for a poor experience. The whole place seems to be run by inexperienced youngsters (not their fault).

The management need to take a good look at themselves and get a grip of this place. Perhaps they cannot differentiate between feeding...

We live within walking distance of this venue and have just visited for the second time after a disappointing first trip. We thought we'd try the breakfast after our pizza fail but we rather wish we hadn't. Just like the previous occasion the food was very average. Poor quality ingredients, toast that had touched heat for a few seconds, a bucket of tomatoes swimming in juice, naff sausages, ok back bacon. All of the condiments are the lowest supermarket brands, the sauces for example are the Tesco Stockwell cheap range no HP in sight. Service was as bad as last time, very slow especially for drinks, latte was tepid. Won't be back again which is a shame as its on a regular walking route with our dogs.

Also be aware if you drive there the access road is utterly dreadful, beware of your tyres and suspension, the size of potholes are ludicrous! If you are going for pizza please note they reguarly pull that option for the general public even though they advertise the fact walk ins are accepted so don't count on that and have a plan b.

Bit of a shame really but I guess the cafe is just a side to the main business, this fact shows...

I went to the cafe with family, based on the good reviews and location. Unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype. A very basic menu, basic customer service and a cold marque to sit in. Talk about disappointing, we will not be returning.

What they could do to improve (if they care). Improve the menu, to not just have sandwiches/panini's/burgers and 1 choice of cake. Provide dressing and cuttlery when bringing food. When entering for the first time, have staff warmly welcome you and explain what you have to do. Not just ask if you have a booking and if you don't make you feel uncomfortable, especially when there's plenty of spare tables. Perhaps even suggest a warm table to sit at? Have table service. Have a view of the alpacas, from the cafe.

If they improved the food, customer service and had a view of the alpahacas, I bet people would make a beeline for the cafe and highly recommend it to friends. Such a shame as it has potential. P.s. the road in is highly potholes and parking is...