Le Cafe Journal

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Reviews

1. Marta E ★☆☆☆☆

   If you want to feel irked and as if you are in some absurd tv sketch, this is the place for it. During the week the day I went it was open only 12 to 2:30. The hours on google have not been updated. Food was okay to be fair but the rest has put me off ever coming back. We were told we could only have lunch as they are a bistro and not a cafe! Fair enough but someone needs to tell them to rename it Le Bistro Journal for a start. The place had one other table in and then it was only ourselves. Despite not being rushed off their feet, neither the cook bringing the food to the table or the lady owner bringing more drinks took the finished with glasses/bottle away for well over an hour. I saw delicious looking gluten free chocolate brownies staring at me (two massive platters of them) but had had lunch there. The owner told me I could buy one to take with me. Another day I said. So today at 2:30 thinking Saturday they might be open to 3pm as per hours in Google I called to check they were open n did have gf brownie left. I was informed they were closing now. She also said I could not come in and just buy a brownie to take away - they did not do that. I pointed out she has invited me to do that the other day. She said only lunch customers can buy to takeaway. This really makes so little sense as you would think rather than a pile of brownies going stale someone buying one while not creating washing up or taking up space would be a fair idea. Only if they have had lunch there prior apparently is within their rigid rules. I expect to see in the next episode a sign on the door “zee rules are to be obeyed” or “go away - we hate you all with your expectations of the cafe to be a cafe”. They don’t seem to understand the hospitality part of hospitality. You could not make it up. I understand they may have decided to make changes for personal reasons but don’t call yourself a cafe then (call it Le Luncherie), be consistent, be logical and update your hours on google maps. Don’t spend your money here or entertain this kind of service unless you want Basil Fawlty and Manuel. They clearly don’t really want your money anyway. What an absolute shower!

   almost 8 months ago
2. Simon Maggs ★★★★★

   Went to Café Journal today for lunch and it was fantastic. Trevor is a super chef and Susie is a great host. There are plenty of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free options too. We had a lovely time and the food was brilliant. I had scrambled eggs and bacon on toast with a pint of Butcombe and my wife had the halloumi salad with hot chocolate. Both were excellent and great value. This isn't 'Spoons or Macky D's so don't expect everything chucked on the table in 5 mins, what you get is lovely food cooked to order just for you in a laid back, pretty and cosy environment. 10/10. We will be back!

   1 year ago
3. lauren ingledew ★★★★★

   Excellent! Proper traditional cafe with classics like prawn Marie sandwich and beef mustard. Missed this, haven't had a sandwich as good since I was a kid! Real nostalgic. Very attentive staff. The only improvement I'd suggest would be to move the table directly infront of the door because it made the place inside feel like it was closed off, and maybe have some sort of small kids option, although I didn't ask, and I expect they would have done soemthing if I had asked. The food though was really fantastic, even the garnishing salad was lovely! Photos attached are of our food halfway through. And the treats they bought out for the dog.

   1 year ago

1. Sean Blenkinsop ★★★★★

   Found this gem purely by accident Had home made soup and this was simply the best I have ever had !! Could of eaten it again But would of spoiled my main Thai green curry again awesome!! Who needs a celebrity chef when you got people who deliver really high end food at normal prices !!!!

   almost 2 years ago
2. Pauline L ★☆☆☆☆

   Awful service! What has happened to this place? Greeted by a robotic waitress who, after seating us, proceded to ignore us completely in favour of a couple in the next table who were obviously her mates. We watched, as they were served their meal promptly ( their order was taken quickly, while we were left just sitting there, and we had limited time.) We were very annoyed by this complete ignoring of us, as we had been sitting there for nearly 20 minutes , whilst the other table had 5 star, chatty treatment. The waitress, sensing that we were far from happy ( I wonder why?) asked what was wrong. We had no wish to elaborate. The meal eventually arrived. It was a ciabatta, and we had no problem with the food as such; it was ok - par for the course- nothing special.. On being pressed yet again, we stopped eating and told her that we were made to feel neglected second-class citizens in her restaurant. She then started a tirade about how our meal took longer to prepare. That was not the issue at all, and we explained that we had been sitting at our table waiting for our order to be taken by her, but she was far too busy chatting to her friends on the other table who had arrived after us, and was making sure their order was taken, and that they were looked after. We, on the other hand, had sat for a long time without any notice being taken of us. Complete second class treatment. She continued to argue on and on with absolutely no apology, just trying to justify her poor treatment of us! This rant of hers with no apology upset me so much I couldn't eat the meal at all. Disgraceful behaviour on the part of a rude argumentative waitress. If she didn't want to know what we REALLY thought, she shouldn't have asked!! Surely if we were new to the cafe it should be us who she should be trying to impress, rather than her cronies! In the days of cost of living crisis, many people do not eat out, or if they do, expect it to be a bit of a treat. This was certainly far from a pleasant, peaceful lunch we had expected and spoilt our day. We later went on to a lovely little cafe up the road, and explained what had happened. Their kindness and courtesy went some way to making up for the awful treatment we had received. I had only been into the restaurant once before, and it was ok, but nothing special. I don't remember the rudeness then, however, otherwise I would certainly not have tried for lunch! I am in the hospitality business myself, and wouldn't dream of treating my guests in this way. Too many establishments are going under in this day and age too, and Warminster is no exception! I suggest the waiting staff review the way they treat their customers, and certainly NEVER ARGUE BACK with customers, when trying to justify poor, discriminatory service, thus making the situation even worse! We shall unsurprisingly not be returning, nor do we recommend the cafe to anyone else. Hopefully this situation might get resolved .

   almost 3 years ago
3. vegan witch ★★★★☆

   Visited here for lunch, a nice little cafe with a unique interior. The menu doesn't have many vegan options at all (a vegan curry or mushrooms on toast), which is disappointing. The staff were very accommodating though, very friendly and welcoming

   almost 3 years ago

1. Monica Tudor ★★★★★

   Unexpected discovery on our way through Warminster. Wanted a coffee but decided to grab some lunch. What a great decision...delicious homemade food by husband and wife team. Very individual, quirky interiors and THE BEST BROWNIES EVER! Why do we put up with the Starbucks and Costas in our lives when there are wonderful independents like this. Loved it and thank you!

   almost 3 years ago
2. Sarah Woodcock ★★★★★

   The local optician recommended this cafe for lunch and it did not disappoint. It's like a tiny piece of France in Warminster. The atmosphere of this small cafe is lovely, the staff can't do enough for you, the food is delicious and the homemade cakes are amazing. I will definitely book next time as I would hate it if they couldn't squeeze us in. My 8-year-old son loved it too. The place is spotless. I would highly recommend this to anyone going to Warminster.

   almost 4 years ago
3. Ian Bunyan ★★★★★

   A very well run café with heaps of character and style. The food and cakes are all made in-house and the staff are super-friendly and accommodating. Tea was served in teapots with extra hot water provided, and a jug of water was offered for the table too. Children are accommodated and may chose anything from the menu as a half portion. Card payments are accepted, and the Wi-Fi code is on the wall. Excellent service from a dedicated team!

   more 6 years ago

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