Canalside Cafe - Stafford

The chips accompanied the egg sandwich were not very nice they seemed to be warmed up My husband had a sausage roll and chips again his were warmed up all though the people who came after us they had lovely chips my husband sausage roll was burnt .

We found it to be overly expensive for tea and coffee, very lovely surroundings but very expensive.

The produce and service at both the café and shop used to be excellent. Sadly, over the last eighteen months the quality of the food on offer and the service has declined significantly. As other reviewers here have indicated, there seems to be an increasing attitude problem among some staff – even openly expressing frustration in response to simple requests (such as purchasing four items at the deli counter). There are several staff members who seem to see themselves as doing you a special favour, rather than as representatives of a business dealing with paying customers. This is true in the café too, where I have heard staff behind the counter complaining loudly and unpleasantly about other guests (within their earshot). As a long-time loyal customer, recent visits have been repeatedly disappointing. I am writing this review because I think the management should be aware of this decline in customer service, and the need to intervene with regard to staff attitude and behaviour.

Rarely quiet. We have been a couple of times. There are often many senior folk enjoying an acceptable meal. But not usually too busy. Just for once I tried the flatbread with pastrami and cheese. It was very good. In fact I had it again on a repeat visit. Friends also enjoyed the oatcakes and the chunky chips covered in pulled BBQ pork. We parked, some had a short walk on the canal, while others looked round the site. We had a coffee while we waiting for everyone to meet up. The downside was lunch starts at 12:00, so at 12:00 there was a long queue. Two of our party expect to return with friends. They were impressed.

Called in today after a lovely walk on Cannock chase, it was a bit busy, so wasn’t surprised at the amount of people at the cafe, what did surprise me was, only one person serving having to do everything on her own, while two other members of staff just wiped down the counter being very slow and looking very miserable! It was a long wait. On my turn to be served my phone wouldn’t contact for payment, and the lady on the till, looked at me like I was dirt, and made me feel very uncomfortable … I won’t be returning.