Rose & Grants Cafe — Restaurant in Scotland

Upon arrival, the cafe was approximately half full. We were instructed to “sit anywhere,” which I took at face value and selected a small booth in the corner. Shortly after sitting down, we were informed that this was incorrect and that we would need to move if a larger party arrived. This was both confusing and unwelcoming, as the initial instruction was vague and offered no clarification or limitations.

I ordered the BLT and was informed that the vegan bacon had been substituted with “mushroom rashers.” I misunderstood the description and assumed the replacement would be a plant-based alternative such as Quorn. Instead, the sandwich contained slices of wet, rubbery mushroom that bore little resemblance to bacon in either texture or flavour. While I did not raise the issue at the time—believing it may have been my own misunderstanding—at the till, the staff member asked for feedback on the BLT. I responded honestly, saying that using slices of mushroom as a substitute for bacon seemed unusual. The staff member’s reaction was unexpectedly passive-aggressive and patronising. Rather than acknowledging the feedback, I was effectively reprimanded for not raising the issue earlier, despite only responding to a question I had been asked.

As someone who is autistic, I found this exchange particularly upsetting. Criticising someone for not communicating in a way deemed “correct” in a social interaction—especially when that person is neurodivergent—is not only inappropriate but deeply insensitive.

I hope you will take this feedback seriously and consider improving both the clarity of your communication with customers and the approach your staff take when responding to...

Staff don't seem to communicate with one another. Three things straight away stood out to us - on arrival there were no tables available and were asked to wait to the side. Then two tables became available in quick succession. Wait person started clearing them. Another couple came in and were immediately shown to one of the tables by another staff member. I pointed out we were also waiting and so we waited for the other table to be cleared so we could sit. Despite us already having sat for 10 mins reading the menu we were left with me trying to grab any of the staffs attention to no avail. The table had been wiped with a very wet cloth so it was also soaking. I ended up having to go over to the counter to ask if I could have some blue roll to dry it as it was leaving wet marks on my partners shirt, and could we also order. It was not supremely busy. I've worked in hospo for 11 years and honestly none of the staff in this place seemed to move with any urgency whatsoever. All looking at the ceiling wandering around not really seeming to know what is going on. The food was fine but extremely overpriced. Also the garish paint all over the windows blocks out so much natural light and looks so scabby. Would not recommend there are way better places - e.g., singl-end, fern coffee bar, riverhill coffee,...

Was really unhappy with my visit with my young son. I ordered the breakfast and the bacon was cold but congealed in a layer of grease like it had been precooked and reheated. For one sausage on a £14 breakfast I'd expect it to be good quality and at least substantial in size, but it was small and still cold in the middle. Tomatoes were unseasoned and slightly bitter, fried egg was cold and over done. Really wanted some salt and pepper but front of house staff were all too busy to get their attention. Baked beans were cold in the middle. The "homemade vege haggis" was a dry heap of oats with some grated carrot and sage. If you can't do something decent homemade just buy in vege haggis there's plenty decent options available, no excuse for something like that.

Explained when ordering I don't like mushrooms and didn't want any - either swap them for more toast or just keep them off my plate please. It arrived with mushrooms. Had to ask for tap water for my son 4 times before we finally got some. Wasn't asked how everything was, was obviously very busy so didn't bother to complain. I work in the industry and there's no excuse for both service and quality of food to be this poor. I'm sorry to say but they have really, really missed the mark with this one! I will...