This review is not about the food or service at Island Cafe but about its staff, specifically its owner. The intention of this review is not to bad mouth this rather charming cafe but to warn its potential female employees. Wanting a position as a barista/waitress, I replied to an ad on gumtree in the hopes of landing a job. Having received an invitation for an interview, I was thrilled thinking it would be a great opportunity in a prime location.
After arriving and having forgotten to bring a CV along with me, I was asked to fill out an application by the cafe owner Michael. He reviewed it and came to the conclusion that I needed some training. I agreed and despite his oddly flirtatious demeanour (suggesting we go out for dinner/drinks after training), I laughed it off thinking it was a joke. Due to the cafe closing at five, he suggested I come back after closing at around six to complete my training. Naively, I thought that was a good idea and I also thought it might be better to learn the equipment when it wasn't busy. Not having enough money to make it back the same night, he generously provided enough for me to come back later.
Outside the boarded up cafe I waited for him. After he sauntered towards me and gave me a rather inappropriate hug, I began to get the feeling this was a mistake. Standing in front of the entrance I stepped aside for him to open the door but he proceeded to walk down the alley towards his apartment explaining that he lived close by. Startled, I said I wasn't comfortable going to his place but he proceeded to suggest that we go up to the apartment and have drinks but I persisted. I explained that I would feel more comfortable doing the training in the cafe. We went inside where he proceeded to touch my arm inappropriately and explain that he had already been drinking in his apartment, that is when I decided to leave- nervously suggesting that I come back another time (of course I did not, nor was I contacted again which makes me think I was never eligible for this position in the first place but was lured under false pretenses).
I'm not sure exactly what would have happened had I stupidly gone up to is apartment but I'm glad I don't and I hope those who read this and may be considering applying for a position here (or anywhere) might be more cautious than I was and think twice about what might seem like innocent flirting. read more