Old Town Coffee House — Restaurant in Scotland

Probably the most expensive espresso machiatto of your life + charges paying by card in Covid times. Bill for 2 espresso machiatto: £6.90.

I've ordered two espresso machiatto which ended up costing more than the most expensive hot drink on the menu! At this cafe, a normal espresso is priced at £2.30, or £2.60 for a double. That's fine. But how much does an espresso machiatto cost? Based on my experience shops cafes do not charge extra for the tea spoon sized milk foam that goes on top of an espresso to make a machiatto. Others, normally charge from 0.10 to 0.30 extra... ok that's fine. But at the Old Town Cafe you'll be charged £3.20! That's right, a bit of milk foam on your espresso costs 0.60! Can you believe that? £3.20 for a machiatto?That's more expensive than their most expensive hot drink, mocha at £3.00.

On top of that, if you choose to pay by card, you'll be charged £0.50. I cannot think of a time when I was charged at a shop for using my card... maybe in the 1980s? But certainly not in 2021, especially in Covid-19 pandemic times. Yes, it's an independent cafe, but I only go to independent cafes and I have never been charged for paying by card (let alone a £3.20 espresso machiatto). Apart from that charge, they do not take cards payments for bills under £5.00. Again, this is 2021...

If I had been told of those hidden charges beforehand, I'd certainly have gone somewhere else. On the rare occasion a cafe or corner shop had especial rules for card payments, I was made aware by large signs on the windows or the waiter(-ress) would tell me in advance. That's fair and honest... then it's up to me to decide. But now at the Old Town Cafe, so be aware.

Recommended? Certainly NOT.

There are plenty of other options on the same street or on the parallel road... for example, Cafe Pompei on King Street (2min walk) - honest pricing, authentic good italian coffee and no hidden charges. In fact, card payments are preferred for everyone's safety. Of course there are plenty of other cafes, but I've been to this one so that's an example, only.

Support independent business, but support those who are honest and do not have an hostile attitude towards criticism (just have a look at the cafe's response for another couple of reviews here "If you don't like it, do not come" or "It's my cafe, I close the kitchen when I want" haha, seriously. There are better ways of addressing an unsatisfactory...

If I were a mystery shopper, my job would be to evaluate an establishment from the moment I arrive. However, I wouldn't even be able to complete an evaluation of this coffee house because I wouldn't step inside.

The exterior is the first impression, and despite it being beautiful, inviting and in full bloom, the same cannot be said about the owners. A key part of a mystery shopper role is to observe and report on the overall atmosphere and service, but a business needs to be inviting enough not just on the outside but on the inside too. Unfortunately, this coffeehouse fails at the very first hurdle.

This coffeehouse house advertises work experience as a valuable opportunity for young people, a stepping stone into the world of work. Yet, the reality is a stark contrast. Newcomers are not welcomed or properly trained. Instead, they are publicly humiliated, shouted and moaned at in front of paying customers, and discussed in a language they don't understand. This is a shocking way for a business in the heart of Stirling to treat the next generation of employees.

On a brighter note, I've heard...

For reasons I cannot explain, finding breakfast in Scotland is difficult. So when we stumbled on the Old Town Coffee House in Stirling, we practically ran inside. Here we found a small quaint eatery with an excellent menu...including breakfast.

My sister chose some delicious looking chocolate crepes with ice cream and my brother had the full Scottish breakfast (includings fried eggs, bacon, baked beans, haggis, broiled tomato, sausage, mushrooms and toast), I had a simple bowl of porridge with red, sweet (though unsweetened) strawberries with warmed cream and what is probably the best cup of coffee in Scotland. After all, no one makes better porridge than the Scots and these were excellent. The staff was friendly and didn't flinch when I asked for more strawberries (after all, they were among the best I've had lately and I eat them often).

You might have to look to find the Old Town Coffee House, but it is...