The Coffee House Hanley — Restaurant in Stoke-on-Trent

Oh dear. I want to write something positive about The Coffee House in Hanley, and I will, but I need to first discuss what I experienced on my first visit. Firstly, look at the image below of my cuppa:

Notice the coffee stains around the cup, this was an error of the server who overfilled the cup. I wouldn't complain at a mild difference in presentation, but the use of the yellow cloth that wipes the milk spout to clean the edge of the cup is appalling. I'm sure that the rags are replaced frequently enough, but watching the display and the replacement of the saucer put me off immediately. Is this a health violation? Probably not, but it's not something that a customer wants to see! 🤢

I found the medium sized mug too small for my finger(s) to fit inside, this is probably why the member of staff spilled my coffee. I hurt my fingers trying to lift the mug while squeezing in the small handle. Get your drinks "to go" and then dine in, your hands will thank you.

Mistakes aside, the coffee was lighter than I expected for a house blend, with mild notes of chocolate. I am tempted to buy a bag of their beans to try at home, where I can have greater control of temperature and foam density.

On the subject of foam, the top layer was weak and muddy thanks to the spillage, with the mug looking as if the coffee were stirred, despite being "saucer fresh". I watched the preparation of the milk being steamed, and could not see the metal jug being tilted. Perhaps the server was new, I'm not sure, but there was no effort to separate the thick and the foam of the milk. Because of this, the coffee was fairly watery, and I longed for the thick milky taste that one would expect from a latte.

The coffee house has their own loyalty programme where you get your 11th cup free, but at a price of £3.80 for a medium, you'd be better off buying a 50p cheaper cup elsewhere than by saving up for a free 11th cup. But that's my personal opinion, I can see regulars who enjoy the rest of the menu seeing the 11th cup with only positive opinions.

I think it would be worth visiting The Coffee House in Hanley again for a slice of cake and a coffee, but the lack of awareness in hygiene practices is something that cannot be ignored.

I am happy to be contacted regarding this review, if the cafe branch owner wishes to...

I would like to complment you on your staff. My friend and I have been customers since the Coffee House was open, we visit every Friday and have found your staff friendly, helpful and always have a smile to share with the customers.

On our visit today I accidentally knocked my large Cappuccino over the table and on to the floor, two of your staff within seconds were at our table, one of them started to clean up the table and the floor after doing that she noticed that it had also gone over my boots, she cleaned them too. 🙂

She then thoughtfully got me another Cappuccino, my friend and I couldn't believe how thoughtful your staff were. My friend and I are 79 and 80 years old and we really appreciated being treated with respect as it is rarely shown these days.

Thank you to the young lady that went above and beyond to sort out the mess...

Went in with a friend and toddler in pram. The Place had a nice ambiance, staff were lovely and friendly. We found a table with plenty of space around for pram to be parked, and suitable for my pregnant belly. Table was clean, a bit of mess on floor but as everything else nice it didn’t bother me at all. Toilets were clean I went in to change baby and it had just been cleaned (around 3pm) which was good to see as other places don’t clean as often at all. We had a nice little catch-up. My friend commented how it was so much better than other places we had been to. Thanks and...