Farmhouse Bakery & Cafe — Restaurant in Vale of White Horse

I didn't want to leave a bad review because the bakery is beautiful, which is what attracted us to go in. The food was really great, couldn't fault it at all, it even came in good time.

My issue was the service. When we arrived to the cafe we found ourselves a table and that was our mistake. We didn't see the small sign when we entered, that we had to wait to be seated - to be honest it is a cafe and I really didn't think about it - that was our error for which we apologised.

However, the waitress proceeded to place a chalkboard on the table and say it was reserved and that we couldn't sit there. The cafe had about 4, maybe 5 tables with people on, the rest, plus the whole of upstairs was empty. She said we should have waited to be seated and that we need to move because the people who booked the table will be here in 5 minutes to claim their table. She led us upstairs to a table, which was lovely, but by that time I felt like all eyes were on us and that actually I felt really embarrassed to be there and how dare I assume we could sit anywhere.

My husband convinced me we should stay, but only because we didn't want to look even worse by then walking out.

We spent nearly £40 in a place I felt uncomfortable and who didn't really care with how they made their customers feel.

The said 'reserved' table was still empty when we left 45 mins later.

I was so disappointed and annoyed actually because we were made to feel this way for absolutely no reason.

I won't go again and sadly will not recommend, and if asked will say why. Great customer service costs nothing, but can cost your business everything, something they may want...

This is, very much, a review of two halves.

The good: the food was tasty (we had two mini farmhouse breakfasts). The bacon was gorgeous and nicely smoked, beans weren't dry, the toast made with fresh farmhouse bread (if anaemic for my preference). The building is new, purpose built and spacious with tables on two floors. Several highchairs for families. The staff we spoke to were friendly.

The not so good: the place lacks character, the unadorned walls are a bit sterile. The service was disappointing, it took 20 minutes to get drinks (an apple juice and pot of tea). There were no vessels so the server fetched a glass, and then had to be asked for a cup for the tea! The food arrived after 50 minutes. A quick visit for breakfast this was not!

Value for money? Not really. Two mini breakfasts, pot of tea and an apple juice will set you back over £18. The price point is a little high, even for good quality ingredients. But given the area and size of the vehicles outside, it's not necessarily too bad for their clientele.

Would I recommend them? Yes, for the food. It's certainly a yummy treat and hopefully you won't...

Recently opened establishment in a nice new building. Inside is spacious and airy, nicely furnished in a rustic style, but somehow lacking a bit of character. Perhaps some flowers on tables or art on walls would help. I'm sure the location will develop its character over time. Staff were friendly but seemed to still be finding their feet and needing cohesion.. again time will be their friend here! We arrived there at around 1pm for lunch. The menu is adequate but not extensive, and we were a little disappointed there wasn't an all-day-breakfast option; but we enjoyed our choices of the Farmhouse Platter and Open Smoked Salmon Sandwich . The coffee was particularly good too! There were a couple of minor issues we noted which I will pass on in a direct email to the owners. Overall we were happy with our visit and will definitely return and recommend to friends. Not quite a 5 star place yet, but definitely has...