Saddlery Cafe Osprey Home St Albans

I made a last-minute decision to have lunch at this restaurant and was pleased to find the staff very friendly and accommodating. The menus were printed double-sided but were reversed, so we had to rotate and turn them over to read them. They were also very dirty and creased. We ordered vegetable soup, leek and potato soup, each served with a toastie, and a ham and cheese toastie. The food was delicious and plentiful, and we enjoyed everything as it was served at the perfect temperature. Well done. However, I would be concerned about the timing of the service if it were any busier.

The hostess was amazing and the chef was very accommodating to our dietary needs. It's a lovely spot for brunch with great drink options including milk. We ordered the beautifully presented charcuterie board and shakshuka.

Don’t usually write reviews but felt compelled to report the poor service we received here today. On arrival we were told it was busy and there would be a wait but there were tables available so we were invited to sit where we wanted. There were no reserved tables and we told the waitress where we were going to sit. 2 minutes later the same waitress came over to ask us to move because “her reservation had arrived and wanted to sit in the sun”. No apology but not wanting to make a scene we complied and moved to a different seat. We were told the wait for food was at least 30 minutes but we only wanted a drink so I went inside to order as the waitress was clearly busy. After another 5 minute wait I was told in no uncertain terms (same waitress again) it was table service only and they wouldn’t even serve a bottled drink at the counter. We left. Understand that it was peak time (1pm on a Sunday) but there is no excuse for rudeness and poor service and I don’t think I have ever been asked to move because someone else wanted our unreserved seat anywhere.

Everything was lovely except the prices! It’s a lovely place to sit out in the courtyard, it looked beautiful the staff were friendly and helpful. My daughter ordered a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel which was £12. It seemed a bit steep but we’d come out for a treat so I went ahead. When the food arrived, it was half a bagel!!! I couldn’t believe it half a bagel for £12. It wasn’t enough to fill her up so I bought a side order of crisps which was also small and cost £3!! My scrambled egg smoked salmon on toast was £14!! It was lovely but so overpriced. We had one drink each, the bagel eggs on toast 2 pieces of cake it came to £50!!! I was so shocked it’s a shame because I love going there but I won’t go back I can’t afford to!!

We took the whole family (kids to grandparents) to evening meal with entertainment. Great food and a good singer. This is following several great experiences for coffee and cakes whilst shopping for Osprey discounted goods. Would recommend to all as lovely location.