I wanted this place to be sooo much better than it was - the layout and potential offerings would be right up my alley. I just had a shoddy experience and am unlikely to go back because of it = crying shame.
The staff were pretty poor and seemed quite demotivated. We went in close to 2pm so at the later end of the lunch hour to find them standing around sucking their teeth. Being my first time in, I was obviously unaware of 'the process' and could not see any prices, and after giving the usual 'oh what do we have here?' looks and gestures I eventually said 'new to this, er, what do I do?' the folks behind the counter eyed each other with 'who's turn is it?' looks when one eventually said 'Well this is for salads, you choose, what do you want?'. Very helpful. So I lean over and ask what lettuce base they have 'We only have plain rocket left, everythin else is finished.' 'Ah'. Looking at the sorry little collection of tubs left in the vacant cooler I try my luck. 'Okay, do you have any chicken? 'No, finished.' 'Feta cheese?', 'Ah finished too'. 'Let me guess, tuna finished as well?' 'Yes', little nervous smile 'We always run out of everything when it's late.' See there's the key. She's noticed the pattern. Fresh goods I can imagine the risk in over catering to some degree, but things like tuna?? And is it so hard to nip out and buy two heads of lettuce to keep your salad valley afloat for the day?
My colleague got a chicken sandwich and though off bread I had little choice and opted for one too - only to be told the chicken is finished. A little frazzled I bought up the last fish cake and marched off to the counter to pay when I was waved on to the other side of the deli to pay as that cashier was 'busy with something'. I paid and left with little promise of return.
The thing is the fish cake was actually really tasty, but blimey what a bloody mission to get some lunch. If you're not able to sneak down here when the clock strikes noon, it may not be worth your while. read more