Coffee & Creams — Restaurant in Tandridge

We (family of 4 or just us as a couple) used to visit fairly often - maybe once a month ish. However, we decided on the last occasion that we wouldn’t be returning anymore which is a real shame as we used to love it and we hoped it would become a bit of a tradition with the children. Unfortunately, there’s a few reasons - the quality and portion size has reduced whilst the pricing has increased. I’m all for paying an appropriate price for good quality food but one slice of basic toast with half an avocado and an egg isn’t it. They used to offer sourdough which is our favourite but no longer do. The full breakfast is, to be fair, a decent size and the boys are usually relatively happy with it (minus the super basic bread/toast) but the last time they had it, the scrambled egg was bland and unseasoned. We also ordered a side of bacon for 2 of our meals and I kid you not, we were charged £3 for ONE piece each. The coffee is also really poor (always has been but we overlooked it as the breakfast used to be fab). Generally it comes out at 1,000 degrees so the milk has burnt the espresso and there’s absolutely no difference in the flat white, latte and cappuccino. The atmosphere is always lovely and I’ve therefore marked that as 5 stars as the clientele are cheery and friendly. Sadly let down by the gentleman who is usually on the till or serving as he always seems rather miserable/ unhelpful and like he doesn’t want to be there. There’s also a lady that serves who’s pleasant though and the younger ones are always lovely and sweet. I think this little place could be a real gem if a bit more thought and effort was put in but for now, we’re trying to find somewhere new for our...

Much like England’s performance playing Scotland, this place has a lot of promise but lacklustre in its execution of good food ideas and coffee. Food ideas are great; the food itself varies between ok and good enough; the coffee is weak and tasteless - I might as well put half a teaspoon of instant in a cup myself.

The owner never ever smiles or gives eye contact. He seems miserable in general. His staff seem nicer and at least apologise when food is slow to arrive. Perhaps it is stress and that is understandable. But if that’s the measure, he’s always stressed. Always miserable. And he’s not helping his business to sustain itself.

Last time I was here my waffles and food were burnt. Still ate it because you want to give independent places a chance, especially during COVID times. Today my food took ages because there was an ‘incident in the kitchen.’ When it came eventually, it was hot yes, but flavourless. Coffee again was weak.

This place wants to be a great cafe and it’s frustrating to see a place with so much promise, in such a great sun trap location, deliver poor food, drink and service. Good service and food means customers return.

Unfortunately I’ve given it three to four chances, and so has my partner; we pay prices that expect better quality. But we are always disappointed....

If you arrive 40 min before closing time just like us be prepared to receive the worst customer care ever. The young grumpy lady with piercing in her nose didn’t even give us a chance to order. She immediately said “only take away. We are closing soon”. (?) I felt like running away from there straight away, but instead I challenged her saying we still had time, so we would have our coffee and cake. She made us feel very uncomfortable. To make things worse, the chocolate cake was rather dry, so I asked to exchange it for the strawberry cake when this other lady stepped in and started to argue with me saying that the cake was fresh and that didn’t make any sense in an extremely defensive and arrogant way. Let alone everything there is so OVERPRICED. I wonder if this older lady was the owner of the place. I bet not! Who had the bad idea of hiring this pathetic and unprofessional person? After 10 min being there this woman started to rush us by putting the chairs up , cleaning the place. I should imagine a business does that after closing their doors and with no customers inside. Do not recommend this place at all. Appalling...