The Village Cafe — Restaurant in Stratford-on-Avon

Before I say anything, I work in the food service industry, I make mistakes but always, always, always apologise and see what I can do to make things better. Not an approach that seems to be in place here sadly, ordered a flat white and brunch bagel. Flat white arrived but was overly filled, waitress managed to get it onto the table but first sip I tried it all spilt down the table, shorts and white t-shirt. After another 30 minute wait I asked waitress who was delivering food to another table how my bagel was coming on, curt reply “we have no bagels on order” and off she went not to be seen again. Fed up and running out of time, I decided to go to till and ask for a refund - barrister couldn’t be bothered with me, when someone did come to till and I explained rather than a “sorry about that”, I got “you should have said, it only takes 10 mins to sort a bagel” - clearly my fault for not knowing!. Spent another 5 plus minutes whilst they tried to sort a refund, no further engagement, no polite conversation, no attempt to talk issue through even though it needed another server to make a phone call to a “manager” to get refund code. Everyone was sullen and seemed unable to be pleasant. As I walked out, bagel was delivered to my now empty table! I imagine it’s still sitting there. Village cafes rely on service - do yourselves a favour, plan to use other options in Bidford, this place is...

We’ve been here a few times previously, either as part of a cycling group or to meet friends and it’s alway been lovely. I’d defy anyone not to find something they like on the menu with a wide range of choice, really friendly staff, lots of seating and great coffee. I had the cooked breakfast for the first time today, and as a cyclist who has visited many cafes, this was the best by far. Great quality ingredients, cooked to perfection and not greasy at all (as so many are), how they get a crispy bottom to the fried egg without a trace of oil on the plate is beyond me. Oh, and the cakes are also amazing. Nothing not to like here and definitely No1 on the cafe...

Awash very lovely food and amazing cakes. It’s new location across the road is also really lovely inside. Only thing I think they could improve on is takeaways. You’re asked to stand awkwardly at the door or outside, which was understandable over Covid but now comes across as a little unwelcoming. I understand it’s because they want to save the seats for dine-in customers but a compromise somewhere would be appreciated for those who do the take out regularly (sitting in the freezing cold for 30min waiting isn’t...