This a really nice place to visit. The food is good, the staff offer excellent service and extremely polite manners in a tough hot place to work in. (In summer anyhow). I really like the open doors to help the breeze blow in. Very relaxed atmosphere and a cup wash station.
I’m back in winter time now 2024. Cmas decor is up. The old style wall heaters help to provide a nice warm atmosphere. Lots of people in here today. I managed to get an isolated table (away from passing people) which helps. The staff are very efficient in clearing tables. All worth a little tip at Cmas for the price of a coffee (or what you can afford). The lady offering a table to customers is very pleasant in welcoming people in and when I asked for a mug instead of a glass (needs to be an online option) for my flat white, she was excellent in ensuring my request was carried out. Touches like this, the smiles of the staff and really nice small moments of small talk (more comment exchanges) make this cafe a really nice place to visit.
For info: they offer takeaway hot drinks, but don’t supply disposable drink receptacles. You can bring your own or purchase ones at the till. There is also a cold water supply with drink tumblers for tap water.
Apparently this used to be an old primary school, I happen to meet a chap telling his wife/friend about it. Many year ago. I really like how it has been set out by BTP, there is an upstairs but I’m told it gets quite warm up there. Maybe a place to sit in the winter.
I have tried a few independent coffee shops in Stratford. This chain store is among the best of them, which is quite an accomplishment and is a combination of great styling and fantastic staff customer service. (I hope the back room is as...
Read moreIt's a first-world problem, but sometimes your favourite breakfast venue takes a nose-dive. Three years ago BTP was outstanding and became my family's favourite "treat breakfast/brunch" place. Last Friday we went for the first time in about 9 months and were sadly disappointed.
BTP sets the bar high with their prices (breakfast for 3 with drinks and a couple of extra coffees came in at nearly £55).
I will say that they appear to still be using good quality ingredients, and the hash browns are wonderful.
However... Considering we visited on a Friday for a last breakfast, and that they appeared to be quite mob-handed with waiting staff, the service was lacking. It seems that some staff prioritise social conversations with each other over service interaction with customers. Waiting for people to finish talking about lasts night's TV before they serve you isn't good. Not taking customer orders at the table seems to have become the norm since COVID lockdowns. But should it be the norm still?
Moving on to the food. When there is a standard breakfast and a "boss" breakfast on the menu, I shouldn't be playing spot the difference between mine and my son's plate (the answer turned out to be a single disk of hog's pudding, two small hash browns and one more slice of toast). I'm sure the Boss used to come with extra bacon and another sausage - I could be wrong though, and the menu doesn't stipulate quantity of anything. My wife's pancakes were tasty, but horribly over-priced.
I understand everything costs more now than a year ago, but in this price bracket for breakfast we have a lot of other options.
Finally, when staff use the same toilets as customers it's really important that they all understand the importance of...
Read more'Homely Fare Amidst Franchise Frames'
Our recent family outing led us to the Boston Tea Party in Stratford upon Avon, and it was a heartwarming experience. The decor, typical of a chain, was expected but did not deter us from the homely feel the place exuded. As a family of six, finding a space that accommodates us comfortably was easy, with its spacious two-level seating.
The menu was a pleasant surprise; it broke away from the chain mold, offering a spread that resonated with homely, hearty fare rather than a standardized franchise menu. The smoked salmon and avocado toasts were a savory delight, while the chorizo added a spicy zest to our meal. The kids were all smiles with their pancakes, and the desserts, especially the brownies and lemon pie, were a sweet finale to our meal.
Though nestled amidst the bustling city, the eatery has a warm, inviting aura. The staff were friendly and attentive, making sure our experience was pleasant. The fact that this place has been voted the best cafe in Stratford for two consecutive years speaks volumes.
The pricing was fair, and the portion sizes were generous. It's heartening to see a chain restaurant maintain a level of uniqueness and quality in its food offerings, making the dining experience feel personal and less commercial.
The Boston Tea Party in Stratford upon Avon beautifully marries the efficiency of a chain with the heart of a local cafe. Despite the franchise decor, the food and ambiance transport you to a homely, comforting space, making it a worthy stop for a wholesome meal...
Read more