Hays Cafe — Restaurant in Wealden

Very disappointed with this place. I love supporting local businesses, during these times it's more important now than ever but there was absolutely no care given to us for wanting to keep safe whilst doing so. We went in for a coffee and something to eat, sat at a table away from others (asking staff before doing so) and had another family sit on the table right next to us, including the space with a clear yellow and black cross taped to it to allow for social distancing. Not a problem, things are strange at the moment and take some getting used to. I spoke with the family saying they were not supposed to sit so close and it was clearly marked not to. As they did not care to move I called over a member of staff who told us to move if we did not like it even though we were sitting down first and when I said this just got a blank look. After explaining the situation further she took up our menus, went behind the counter and ignored us! I spoke with another member of staff who I explained the situation too who proceeded to do the same thing! My husband took the baby outside and I continued to ask why they were not following the guidelines to keep us safe, it's no way to treat customers. The chef came out and asked what the problem was, I started to explain and just got shot down with 'darling, I'm busy' and 'get out, go'. I'd like to point out I spoke with respect, I did not shout or talk down to anybody. It's ridiculous having to write this review and I'm sad to do so but we were not listened to or respected and neither were the rules to keep their 'valued' customers safe. It was such an easy thing to sort out. A simple, 'I'm ever so sorry but this table has a cross on it to allow for social distancing, please could you move to this table' would have done. I'm shocked how we was made to feel terrible for wanting to follow the rules to keep us safe but also everybody else. Please see it from our point of view, we were not wanting to be difficult and cause trouble. You need to improve your customer care and value people making the effort to support...

Apr 2025

Still one of the best places for breakfast I've come across anywhere in the UK. Still doing a great job all the way around. Always look forward to breakfast here when in Hailsham

2023

First, remember its a small family run traditional cafe with all day breakfast that has multiple menu options plus traditional English menu. The service was happy and friendly. The food was properly prepared to order. Wait time was reasonable considering every table was occupied pretty close to capacity. For a local traditional cafe its a definite winner. Don't sit by the front door on a cold day, door doesn't self close and nobody seems to understand the sign on the door to close it properly. Only downside to the experience. Funny how the old people close the door properly and those under 50 don't seem to comprehend the sign 🤣🤣🤣 Be nice if the fixed or...

After the continuous shocking service from this cafe i will not be returning. Long waits for drinks even when they are not busy, the staff are rude and unhelpful. Everything seems that it is way to much bother for them. no respect for their customers as they are more interested in speaking between themselves than actually serving. The manager is on a completely different level he is rude, very disrespectful and eavesdrops on your conversations. He makes you feel really uncomfortable with the way he glares at you after hes been eavesdropping on your conversations. Makes you wonder what he does to your food before it comes out...