With a recommendation from not one but two guidebooks, you'd think it'd at least be decent, but instead, it was deceptive and disappointing. They mark everything as homemade, but whose home since there's no oven on the premises and nothing is baked there? I wanted a really authentic experience for a pastry calorie bomb, but instead, got mediocre supermarket grade snacks at a premium. I was appalled when the cabinet I was sitting next to popped open and I saw Eccles cake--the same as what was plated in a Saran-wrapped plate right on the sideboard above the cabinet--individually wrapped in manufactured plastic packaging, and TESCO SUPERMARKET BRAND chocolate chip cookies also neatly stacked in mass production packaging. But on the other hand, I guess it's pretty authentic since locals eat it?
Further souring the experience was when I asked where the scones were actually from and I found out the bakery the server said did not even exist, which felt very dishonest. Also, the scone was microwaved and had a spongy, mass-produced American biscuit taste to it (think KFC with raisins). They had no idea what type of cheese was even in the sandwiches, either. The cakes are supposedly locally sourced, but at this point, I find it difficult to believe anything said. The jams they sell up front are not what they use in the food, either.
The food wasn't really awful, but save your money and get the real deal elsewhere. You're paying for the ambiance, but not much more, but Broadway is a bit of a Cotswold tourist trap, it seems. So sad I went out of my way to come here. Biggest disappointment during my whole trip. read more
