March 2024 by Meg Sophie
It really pains me to write this review as I love the Auction house and often pop in for a take away coffee when visiting but what happened this morning has left me feeling embarrassed and very disappointed.My partner and I have recently moved to the area and have sat inside gavel and bean (rather than taking away) a couple of times. We are both plant based and my partner is gluten free so we understand options are limited but always try to support local and independent businesses. Today we were meeting for a quick business meeting (My partner is a prominent gardening personality so we regularly meet with clients and conduct meetings in coffee shops as like I said, we like to support local businesses) and when we arrived at the cafe this morning, it was nearly empty. We took up a 2 seater table out of the way and I went up to the counter to order, what then ensued was possibly one of the rudest interactions I have experienced in a coffee shop (and believe me I go to a lot of coffee shops). I was made to feel completely unwelcome and ashamed that I was simply ordering a coffee, the fact that we had sat out of the way was mentioned and the server made reference to a banana that I had brought in with me as if I was somehow concealing bringing in my own food and it was insinuated that the reason we had sat out the way was so that we could eat our own food? Very confusing. Of course, if asked politely, I obviously wouldn?t have eaten a banana on the premises but it wasn?t something I?d even considered.The server continued to roll her eyes and sigh eventually saying ?well one coffee, and you?re sat at a table?.okay? (please bare in mind that the cafe was nearly empty this entire time) I replied that I needed a moment, I was holding my tongue, as compared to this server it would appear I was raised to respect others and not to say anything I might later regret. I went to the table and told my partner that we needed to leave as I felt embarrassed and refused to spend money in a cafe where I had been made to feel very clearly unwelcome. Such a shame as the younger servers are always so polite, helpful and well mannered.Safe to say that, unfortunately, I won?t be returning to Gavel and Bean but will still frequent the auction house as I have only ever had wonderful experiences there. Such a shame as this encounter could have gone so differently if the staff member had treated me with an ounce of the respect that I showed her.
December 2023 by Louise Martin
Lovely coffee, cake and service is good. Very down to earth cafe !
December 2023 by jon
Good Cafe
November 2023 by Andrea Wood
Great cafe with plenty of choice only place open on a Sunday so someone has great business sense. Beautiful breakfastFreindly staff lovely setting.
November 2023 by Christine Carrack
Will never go again. The bottom of the website says it closes at 4. At the top it says 3!! We came in this afternoon just before 3 and we're practically pushed out. All we wanted were coffees and a child's drink. There's no wonder it's always practically empty!!Parking: Free car park . That's the only thing that is good!
September 2023 by David G
Nice and clean café with friendly service and an excellent selection of home made cakes. The Bakewell tart was one of the nicest I?ve ever had! I only stopped For coffee and cake so can?t judge the other food. However the bacon sandwich that a man at the next table had looked really good with lots of bacon. Toilets were also modern and kept clean.
September 2023 by marymary27
My friend had an appointment at the nearby auction house, I spotted this cafe and had a cup of tea while I waited for her. The cafe is clean and spacious with pleasant staff. It was a hot day, and I had an ice cream as well as a good pot of tea. The cafe is next to the main road, with parking behind, also outside seating.
August 2023 by karensT2522PH
Called in for lunch after watching the auction. We both had the Full English, very well cooked, hot and fresh. Quick service, polite and friendly staff. Will be back.
August 2023 by Linda M
Stopped here a few times while being on holiday in the area. Was always made welcome by the staff. There was a good selection on the menu to choose from .
August 2023 by Chris Wyatt
This is a wonderful place to have lunch or just cake and coffee. The comfortable surrounding with unusual antiques dotted around make for an interesting backdrop to wonderful food. The cakes are fresh and delicious, accompanied by fresh beverages. We enjoyed a sandwich and toasted sandwich lunch which came beautiful presented and very tasty. All the staff were so friendly and welcoming, nothing was too much trouble. We can't wait to return again soon.Vegetarian options: Plenty to choose from if you are vegetarian.
July 2023 by 822chrisp
This cafe is next to the Daisy Garden Centre and doesn't look much on the outside. However inside was lovely and clean and we had a perfectly cooked full English breakfast each. Freshly cooked to order. We had cappucino and latte respectively which were also very good. Pleasant young staff and nice clean ladies' toilet.
July 2023 by Anne Wainwright
I only awarded 3 stars for the food because my friend enjoyed hers, BUT I ordered a quiche salad with coleslaw £8.50 ok. I received 1 piece of quiche, 2 pieces cucumber and 1 spoonful of coleslaw, when I asked where the salad was I was told they don't have any left. This was 12.15 lunchtime. When I objected to paying for a salad and not receiving any the lady gave me a £2 coin, so I paid £6.50 for 1 piece of quiche and coleslaw I think this is extortionate. We will not eat here again.
July 2023 by Peter Byrne
Lovely cafe. Lovely staff. And met Angus Ashworth from the auctions next door.
July 2023 by Ian Lazenby
Not too shabby at all, lovley food and great coffee, will be back next year on our hols.
June 2023 by tracey Knorn
Plenty of space available. Lots of carparking space and the coffee and scones were excellent.
