Dobbies - Midlothian

British, Breakfast, Lunch
Reservation
Reservation request for Dobbies.

Dobbies

Dobbies
3.1 / 5 (1010 reviews)

Description

Dobbies Cafe in Dunfermline presents a mixed bag of experiences for its patrons. While some guests praise the attentive staff and delightful offerings, like the festive afternoon tea, others recount frustrations with long wait times, incorrect orders, and chaotic service. Issues with management and staffing persist, with complaints regarding young, inexperienced personnel struggling to handle busy periods, leading to cold meals and billing errors. Despite the occasional commendable visit, many customers express disappointment, recommending alternatives such as Farley's garden center, emphasizing the need for improvement in service and overall dining experience.

Last update: 17.01.2026 from: Karen

Reservation request for Dobbies

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★ 3.1 / 5 from 1010 reviews
ingrid-g-dog492
31.12.2023

This was my first visit to Dobbies cafe and I can confidently say that I will not be returning anytime soon, if ever. We were seated promptly, even though it wasn't very busy. However, we waited for 25 minutes with the menu down, trying to get the waitress' attention so we could place our order. We watched as she served people who arrived after us and completely ignored us. We even politely mentioned that we had been waiting before them. We decided it was best to leave. Instead, we went to Farley's garden center, which was excellent. I highly recommend it.

lesley-c-school0576
31.12.2023

I'd overlooked how busy it can be in Dobbies at the weekend and so apparently had the restaurant manager. There weren't enough staff for the number of customers. We were sat very quickly but then had to wait 20 minutes for a member of wait staff to take our order. This was in spite of asking for help a couple of times and being told that someone would be with us in 2 minutes. The staff were clearly under pressure and not dealing happily with it, they were a bit brusque and surly. When the food arrived it was tasty and an appropriate size portion. I will go back, just not at the weekend.

596bobg
31.12.2023

Booked place at soft play. Coffee bar in soft play unmanned and no staff were in attendance for full hour+ session. Did this meet minimum safety standards? And device at main coffee bar was slow. 2minutes to get two coffees. Not a good experience

karen-s-engineer0477
31.12.2023

Not been in a long time and decided to take my partner and would go and get a sandwich to go with my birthday treat with my dobbies card. The queue was huge as normal. One staff member trying her best to serve every customer with the best experience (bright squad) definitely. Unlike the person who seemed to be supervising, looked past the queue of customers with not one interaction with any of us. I asked the young girls name. Leyla Keep doing what your doing!

rileyy62
31.12.2023

Dobbies/Waitrose when are you going to look at your reviews and do something about it? This month I'm foregoing my free monthly coffee because the service and food is so poor, you have young staff floundering in your restaurant with no guidance, there are other garden centres with better cafes,you'll lose your customers which is a shame,it used to be a pleasant experience having lunch in Dobbies Dunfermline...not now

FAQ

You can use the WiFi of the establishment at no extra cost.

The restaurant gladly provides high chairs for babies and toddlers.

The rooms on site are wheelchair accessible and can also be used with a wheelchair or physical disabilities.

You can also pay for your meals with the common credit cards.

More information

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