The Pannier Pantry — Restaurant in Torridge District

Huge potential; equally huge communication issues.

Look, pasties shouldn’t be stressful, okay?

Charmed by this, in all fairness, charming pantry, I decided to go and check out the gluten-free options. I know what you’re thinking: He’s one of these people who have a long list of complex preferences, the navigation of which he imposes on others and confronts with a tantrum when they’re not met (a ‘Karen’ or his male equivalent, if you will). Not the case - I’m just following doctor’s orders, and I’m a polite guy too.

Inside, it’s a nice little corner of the world (human factors aside). There are several local products on sale, as well as a range of typically Devonshire food.

I ordered a piece of carrot cake and asked if there were any steak pasties available. This alone took a good five minutes.

On confirming that there were indeed some pasties left, I said I would take one.

So, the minutes rolled by with no further communication from the staff. During this time I witnessed a member of said staff complaining to her counterpart about a customer. This is quite clearly ‘a big no-no’ in any public-facing business - literally amateur-hour- type stuff. On that, Jungian projection anyone? I often find that rude people evoke rudeness from others. Unfortunately, such people often cannot ‘see themselves’.

I didn’t count the minutes, but I believe I was waiting around 15-20 minutes. It was possibly longer.

After asking how much longer the wait would be, I was informed it would be “a matter of minutes” (forgive my scepticism regarding how much I ought to read into this!). I politely suggested to the lady that, in future, all they really need to do is mention that there may be a wait; it’s otherwise reasonable to assume that the pasty will be handed over more or less immediately. I furthermore mentioned that people have jobs to attend, and that this could be problematic for someone with a full schedule.

The lady did apologise (though it would be a stretch to say wholeheartedly or sincerely). Her counterpart did the same, but was quick to give the excuse that the staff who are front of house don’t know what “them upstairs” are doing or if there is a delay. I mean, come on; YOU HAVE THE DIAGNOSIS OF THE PROBLEM ON YOUR OWN LIPS.

It’s clear: Sort out communication and etiquette.

For now, three stars is what you get since, after all, this was a three-star bargain-basement experience.

It’s okay, but pasties shouldn’t...

A diamond in the rough. We came to Bideford for an afternoon out whilst on holiday in Cornwall and we were sorely disappointed. Bideford is a sorry place, I imagine a victim of the retail park out of town. Amongst a drab collection of boarded-up shops, solicitors and charity shops, The Pannier Pantry is quite simply, fantastic and from what we saw, one of the only reasons to come to Bideford.

Our party of five had three cream teas, a coffee cake and a donut. The cream teas were superb value; two scones with plenty of jam and clotted cream for £6.50. The scones were home made and excellent, although since our visit was late afternoon, they weren't warm, but that wasn't a problem.

My daughter said the coffee and walnut cake was one of the best she'd had. Coffees were all really good and served with a biscoff.

Decor is lovely with a farmhouse feel, art to purchase and a book exchange / charity donation corner.

Staff were friendly and helpful and there were also a few local products for sale in the shop.

As said, this cafe is most definitely a diamond in the rough and if you are unfortunate enough to be in Bideford, then you should pop into the Pannier Pantry....

Avoid this place like the plague ! Walked in and told they'd stopped serving food, but we only wanted coffee and said so. Sat down at an uncleared table, watched by the waitress who'd spoken to us, and sat, and sat, and sat. Waiter & waitress serving others ignored us. Eventually went to the counter and enquired if we were to order there - she said yes. So I explained other places were table service only, and there were no instructions - she simply looked at her shoes and turned away. Ordered coffees, asked for credit card receipt which she handed to a colleague who elaborately fold it in two and asked if I wanted it ! Returned to seat and continued waiting. They half cleared our table eventually and completely cleared and cleaned other table. Waited, waited waited as per instructions on wall about covid, short staffed, delays, respecting our staff etc. Finally I asked if there was a special process to collect our order, so they asked what we ordered (making a complete guess we'd ordered Americos) and admitted they'd lost ours utterly. So ours was finally made and delivered. I have already told other people to avoid this place, and suggest, dear reader, you...