My girlfriend tried to book a table for 4 as a treat for her mothers birthdays. Two afternoon teas (£16 pp) for her mum and dad and then something off the menu for us two as we we wanted to eat something different. The lady on the phone told us she was concerned that we would just share the afternoon teas with the other two of us not ordering. We understand those fears considering the hit hospitality has taken recently (even if sharing a £16pp afternoon tea does seem perfectly fair). My girlfriend and I didnt afternoon teas, I for one dont drink tea/coffee or eat that kind of food, and my girlfriend made it clear that we would be ordering something from the menu. Staff at the Secret Shed decided that this was a lie and that we would share. This was overheard in what they believed to be a secret conversation amongst themselves in the apparently not so secret shed. An excuse was given to say that we all had to order afternoon tea because the of problems with the kitchen (lie) or the booking would be cancelled. Imagine being so greedy and arrogant that you want to force everyone to have a £16pp meal. I get that cafes/restaurants want to maximise profits in these tough times but accusing would be customers of lieing and forcing them to eat the most expensive thing on the menu (that they dont want) is not acceptable. Greed and arrogance got the better of them. I cant review the food as I havent been but expect a judgemental eye if you order anything other than the most expensive thing...
Read moreI recently stumbled upon The Secret Shed, a charming little café that’s quickly become my go-to spot for a cozy and delicious escape. Nestled in a quiet corner of town, this boutique gem welcomes you with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked baguettes and expertly brewed coffee, paired with a warm, rustic ambiance adorned with touches of greenery and soft natural light.
The menu is simple yet stellar, highlighting their standout offerings: fresh baguettes and paninis made with top-notch ingredients. I tried their classic ham and gruyère panini, and it was a revelation—perfectly toasted, with the cheese melting just right into the smoky ham, all pressed into a crisp, golden baguette that had that ideal crunch. The bread alone is worth the visit, baked fresh daily and bursting with flavor. I paired it with a latte, and the coffee was exceptional—rich, smooth, and beautifully balanced, clearly crafted with care.
The service was just as delightful; the staff greeted me with genuine smiles and were quick to offer recommendations without hovering. For a little treat, I grabbed a plain baguette to go, and it was the perfect mix of crusty outside and soft, airy inside—pure heaven with a pat of butter.
The Secret Shed isn’t just a café; it’s a little haven where quality shines in every bite and sip. Whether you’re popping in for a quick coffee or lingering over a panini, this place is a must-try. I’m already looking forward to...
Read moreI've been to the Secret Shed a few times and normally only get a coffee and cake, which the staff seem to be able to handle fine (albeit neither the coffee or cake are anything special).
However, recently I went with a colleague during our hour lunch break for some actual food. The service was absolutely horrendous. We ordered two paninis, two coffees, and two coca colas. The drinks came relatively quickly (about 5 mins) and then we were left waiting another 30 minutes for the food.
At the 30 minute mark we decided we must have been forgotten about and had to ask the staff where our food was. The staff said the kitchen was busy and the food would be another 5 minutes (bear in mind the cafe was 3/4 full at the time and only has 11 tables, and it was only our table and one other customer who had ordered hot food). We waited another 10 minutes and one plate of food arrived; the second plate arrived 5 minutes after this. So we had to eat separately.
The food itself was a lukewarm panini, barely a handful of crisps, and a premade salad, so where the time went, we have no idea. We ate the panini lukewarm because we had no idea how long it would take the staff to reheat them, and we were already 1 hour and 15 minutes into our lunch break.
How on earth 4 members of staff struggle to serve coffee, ready-made cakes, and pre-made food to a mere 11 tables, I'll have no idea. Let's hope the secret shed remains just...
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