Unacceptable and Disgusting Behaviour from Scootercaffe Staff…read more
I've lived locally and supported Scootercaffe on Lower Marsh for over six years. It has always been a part of my routine -- a local spot I chose to give my business to. That is no longer the case.
On Wednesday, 19th June at 1:28 PM, I came in for a drink and something to eat. I was polite, calm, friendly, and approached the counter with a simple question: I asked what paninis were available. The woman behind the bar, approximately 5'7", mid-20s, mixed heritage, British, responded curtly with:
"We don't sell paninis."
Her tone was aggressive, dismissive, and unnecessarily sharp. I responded that I thought they served food, and she snapped again that they only serve toasties -- in an even more unpleasant tone. It was not only rude, it was disgustingly rude. There was no professionalism, no effort to help, no basic courtesy. Just attitude.
Despite this, I still placed an order and sat down. I waited 25 minutes with no food, no communication. I returned to the bar and spoke to another staff member -- a man, approximately 5'9", mid-30s, white, Scottish accent, medium build -- who informed me that:
"My colleague forgot to put your order through."
No apology. No explanation. Just more cold indifference. I waited an additional 15 minutes. Still nothing. At this point, I had waited 37 minutes. I calmly asked for a refund.
He replied:
"We don't give refunds."
That is categorically false. As someone who owns and runs multiple businesses, including cashless venues, I know exactly how systems work. After a back-and-forth, he reluctantly refunded me -- using coins from the tip jar. One-pound coins and 50p pieces, handed over without so much as a basic "sorry."
Moments later, the toastie appeared -- brought out by the same woman. Not to my table, not with a word of apology. Just shoved into my hands at the bar like I was a nuisance. At this point I made it clear I no longer wanted the food and that I was leaving.
As I walked out, I calmly said I would be writing a review. The man laughed and replied:
"Looking forward to it."
Both staff members laughed as I left. Let me be clear: this was not just unprofessional -- it was humiliating. I was mocked by two staff members for daring to speak up after receiving disgustingly rude service and being left without food for nearly 40 minutes. The energy was juvenile, passive-aggressive, and bullying in nature. It was appalling.
This Review Is to Hold Them Accountable
This isn't about a wrong order or a slow day. This is about the way human beings are treated. I run businesses and manage teams -- I understand pressure. But what I experienced wasn't pressure. It was contempt. Mocking a customer to their face, offering no apology, and showing zero responsibility is shameful. The behaviour of both staff members was disgraceful, and they must be held accountable.
I did not stay quiet. I visited several neighbouring businesses and shared what happened, Greensmiths Deli was one of them. The reactions from staff and owners nearby made it clear this is not the first time someone has flagged rude behaviour at this café.
On top of that, I have a social media following of 1.5 million. If necessary, I can share this experience with a wide audience quickly. I take hospitality and service seriously, and I won't stay silent when customers are treated this way.
To the Owners
This is your team. They represent your name and your café. If this is how you allow your staff to treat paying customers -- laughing at them, insulting them, embarrassing them -- you are complicit. These employees were not just rude. They were disgustingly rude. There was no excuse for it. None.
Why I Included Staff Descriptions
I've included brief physical descriptions so that if you happen to be served by these individuals, you can be fully aware. If your experience is anything like mine, it is only fair that you know in advance. These people should not be in public-facing roles, and they should be held responsible for their disgraceful conduct.
Final Word
Scootercaffe may have charm as a venue, but that is meaningless when the staff treat locals with contempt and bullying behaviour. I strongly advise against going there. Spend your money elsewhere -- there are plenty of other brilliant independent cafés on Lower Marsh where customers are treated with basic dignity and respect.
This review is not just a warning. It is a record. A record of how some businesses fail at the most fundamental level: treating people like human beings.
