Hettie's Tea Rooms — Restaurant in Scotland

Went to Hettie’s tea room with high expectations as the cakes in the window looked so good. Unfortunately the service was disappointing with a rude unfriendly waitress with hair tied back and glasses who I was told was the owner. We asked for a table for two and the cafe was half empty. Made to wait 10 minutes while they served other people and cleaned a small table. Eventually got seated. Young waiter brought over menu and explained all the specials, very helpful. However, I noticed people were being crammed onto tables for example 3 older ladies made to sit at small table for two with a chair added at the side when there were free tables for 4 available. Once we ordered the scones with jam and cream and tea, they were brought over quickly. The scones were nowhere near the size they were in the window, half the size. Tasty enough. But as we finished the last mouthful of scone waitress/ owner came came over and cleared our table taking away my pot of tea which I had not finished. Didn’t even ask if I had finished! I had my cup of tea left with some tea in the bottom. Same woman came over picked my tea cup up and announced no one drinks the last bit of tea, pay at the desk on your way out! It felt like eat, drink, pay and get out! Seemed focused on making money and getting people into small tables to make more money. I work hard for my money and don’t appreciate being forced to eat up pay and leave. Maybe used to treating tourists this way as they won’t be back. My husband and I are not tourists. The woman in question almost acted like she was doing people a favour by finding them a table. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone especially if you like a relaxing coffee shop atmosphere. Customer service training required for the...

We visited as we were recommended by family who had heard good things. The food was good, but we were made to feel very unwelcome by staff from our arrival. We had booked a table for 2 adults and 2 children with 1 high chair. We waited a long time to be acknowledged on arrival. My partner was waiting outside to find out whether to fold our buggy up to make access to the tea room easier as the entrance is only accessible by stairs and is quite narrow so we didn’t want to block the only doorway and I was told by staff to close the door on him to keep the heat in. The staff pulled some tables together as there were no tables ready for us despite pre-booking. Most of the staff were friendly enough, just busy and seemed somewhat frazzled by the amount of customers. However, the owner in particular made us feel as if we were an inconvenience and had a very poor attitude. It took a long time for us to order and be served and while waiting for our food to arrive I was showing my son the cakes at the takeaway counter to occupy him to which I was told to “sit at the table and wait to be served” I would avoid if you have children and infants as you will be treated as an inconvenience. We took our desert to go as we didn’t want to stay any longer.

Edited to add that the owner has since been in touch with me to explain circumstances beyond her control during our visit which explains some of the issues mentioned. She has since refunded our meal plus extra and I’m impressed with her commitment and time dedicated to resolving...

This place was a huge disappointment. Completely overpriced for what they offer. We went when it was busy and normally I would understand if things weren't great during a rush. But when you charge £37.95 for afternoon tea for two, I'm expecting everything to be top notch. It's a beautiful little tea room and the decor is adorable- very appropriate. Unfortunately, the service was worse than poor. Our server wasn't nice and polite, she forgot our coffee, and brought out the wrong food. Our scones were also served cold which again, when paying such an exhorborant price was a slap in the face. The sandwiches that acconpy the afternoon tea were not good, and not nearly enough for what you're paying. The cakes were good but they did taste like they were purchased elsewhere and not made in house. That would be fine however, when you're paying so much it should be house made. Some of he staff also looked unprofessional and to be honest, a little sloppy. Our server was quite rude to us and actually made us feel quite uncomfortable. I think this place is relying on its reputation as the best afternoon tea in Scotland to validate their ridiculous prices because they know tourists will pay it. I will not be returning and I recommend you go at a quieter time to get a better...